Buyer beware of C.J. Wilson
With a good D and feeble competition in Texas, Wilson's stock could be overvalued
When the Texas Rangers decided to move C.J. Wilson from the bullpen to the rotation prior to the 2010 season, it was met with some skepticism. Such conversions are rarely successful, and while Wilson was an effective reliever, he was far from dominant.
Two years later, the move looks inspired. In two seasons as a starter, Wilson is 31-15 with a 3.14 ERA and almost eight strikeouts per nine innings while helping the Rangers win back-to-back American League pennants. As a result, the soon-to-be 31-year-old hits free agency as the most in-demand lefty on the market.
There's no doubt Wilson will help whichever team signs him, but if someone pays close to nine figures to lure him away from the Rangers, they should be aware that a couple of circumstances conspired to make him look better than he is. And if you take him out of Arlington, his numbers will likely take a big hit.
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