I’ve got the latest Cubs scoop tonight. This is thirdhand information originating from a baseball scout, but I do think it’s legitimate. The source is telling me that the Cubs are close to signing Preston Wilson.
It seems that the Tejada deal is dead and the Orioles have rejected the Cubs’ offer. Cubs GM Jim Hendry is looking in another direction for some added power in the lineup, and Wilson is his type of player. By that, I mean that Wilson is an affordable outfielder with average to below average plate discipline. He’s a career .264/.333/.478 hitter.
The acquisition would push Jacque Jones to left field, a position he hasn’t played since 2003. Matt Murton would platoon with Jones and face southpaws. Wilson would take over in right field, a position he’s played for just 19 games in his career. The source also mentioned that Corey Patterson is as good as gone, although we pretty much assumed that.