Sanchez and Wilson Reject Contract Extension From The Pirates

Sports Betting News - July 20th, 2009 - Written by Ryan Smith

Jack Wilson who has the longest tenure of any player with the Pirates was just offered a 2 year contract extension from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Second baseman and double play partner Freddy Sanchez was also offered a two year contract extension from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Wilson who has played well this year, maybe the best player for the Pirates, will make 8.4 million next year but the Pirates only offered him a contract worth 8 million over the next two seasons. Sanchez who is often brought up during trade talks was offered a two year extension as well for up to 10 million dollars a season.

Both Sanchez and Wilson agree that the offers are well under value for their talents and have opted to not resign hoping free agency will land them a more lucrative contract. However with the tight economy the way it is both players might not receive the pay outs they think they are worth during free agency. The economy has effected even how other large pay roll teams like the Boston Red sox do business. Last year the Red sox gave MVP Dustin Pedroia a 6 year contract worth 40.5 million dollars, most MLB critics thought Pedroia could make more money if he signed with another team but that was all that was available for a second baseman at the time.

Sanchez and Wilson are no MVP's and the type of money they are seeking might not be available for either player. The Pirates never even received a counter offer form Sanchez or Wilson's agents, making it obvious that both players do not want to extend their careers with the Pirates. The Pirates have now started negotiations with other teams in an attempt to trade one or both the players and receive some type of talent back for them. Sanchez has often been Incorporated in trade talks in the weeks prior to the All-Star game but do to his 8.4 million dollar salary teams have become hesitant in sealing a deal with the Pirates. Wilson is also owed over 7 million dollars next year and only few teams have the space available to make a move.

The Pirates will have to trade one of the two players if they want to start competing again in the National league. A loss of both Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson will likely set the Pirates back another couple of years as these two players have accumulated most of Pittsburgh's run support the last few years. Wilson is the player most likely to get moved as certain teams such as the Padres, Cardinals, Red Sox and, Angeles are looking for a player to fill the short stop position. The Pirates will have to take their time making a decision as the trade deadline of July 31, approaches.