Post by TestSubjekt on Aug 18, 2006 14:51:07 GMT -5
Cardinals sign OF Preston Wilson
Hmmm, maybe he'll work out better as half of a platoon...
ST. LOUIS (AP) - Preston Wilson signed with the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, after being released by the Houston Astros earlier this week.
"This was a pretty nice opportunity for us," assistant general manager John Mozeliak said. "He gives us some stability, too, because he can play all three outfield positions."
St. Louis was 17-28 against left-handers entering Friday's game at Chicago. Wilson, who is expected to play right field, was batting .312 against left-handers.
"He's a veteran whom we respect around here, and we like the way he competes," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said before Friday's game. "He'll be another weapon against a left-handed starter."
Wilson made only two starts after July 29 for the Astros, who replaced him in the lineup with Luke Scott. He was designated for assignment Saturday.
Wilson was batting .301 with runners in scoring position and got his 1,000th career hit earlier this season against the Cardinals in Houston. An NL all-star in 2003, he led the league with 141 RBIs that season for the Rockies.
In 2000, Wilson had 31 home runs and 36 steals with the Marlins and has six seasons with 25 or more homers.
The Cardinals have spent much of the season looking for a replacement for Reggie Sanders, who was not re-signed and ended up with the Royals, in left field. St. Louis also has tried So Taguchi, Larry Bigbie, John Rodriguez and Scott Spiezio at that position.
"This was a pretty nice opportunity for us," assistant general manager John Mozeliak said. "He gives us some stability, too, because he can play all three outfield positions."
St. Louis was 17-28 against left-handers entering Friday's game at Chicago. Wilson, who is expected to play right field, was batting .312 against left-handers.
"He's a veteran whom we respect around here, and we like the way he competes," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said before Friday's game. "He'll be another weapon against a left-handed starter."
Wilson made only two starts after July 29 for the Astros, who replaced him in the lineup with Luke Scott. He was designated for assignment Saturday.
Wilson was batting .301 with runners in scoring position and got his 1,000th career hit earlier this season against the Cardinals in Houston. An NL all-star in 2003, he led the league with 141 RBIs that season for the Rockies.
In 2000, Wilson had 31 home runs and 36 steals with the Marlins and has six seasons with 25 or more homers.
The Cardinals have spent much of the season looking for a replacement for Reggie Sanders, who was not re-signed and ended up with the Royals, in left field. St. Louis also has tried So Taguchi, Larry Bigbie, John Rodriguez and Scott Spiezio at that position.
Hmmm, maybe he'll work out better as half of a platoon...
