In a surprise and somewhat unwarranted move the Seattle Mariners traded for first baseman Craig Wilson and will send the Pittsburgh Pirates a player at a later date to complete the transaction.

Wilson had some decent seasons between 2001 and 2005, posting OPS+’s between 107 and 146.  Since then he has faded into obscurity, struggling with various teams in the minor and major leagues.  Wilson is a high strikeout guy that can hit lefties farley effectively and has some pop, plays first base and the outfield. 

Why did the Mariners make this transaction?  Sure, it’s low-risk, but why go out and get a struggling 30-something?  One theory is that he’d be called up to fill the void left by Richie Sexson, at least until Bryan LaHair is healthy, but Wilson is said to be reporting to AAA Tacoma. 

Considering it’s a PTBNL situation, I’m assuming he will play in the major leagues sooner than later. 

This isn’t a bad move necessarily, just because it won’t cost us anything; it just doesn’t make any sense… at all.

A quote from interim GM Lee Pelekoudas, completely unrelated to this deal:

“We are not going to make a trade just to make a trade for trade’s sake.  I am not going to be the kind of guy to that comes in as an interim general manager and makes a trade just because I am a GM. I’ve got the interest of the organization at heart. I have been here for a long time and whether I am here after the season is over as a GM or not, the moves I make are going to be for the interest of the organization particularly 5 or 6 years from now. That’s my goal and focus for the rest of the year.” 

Right…