For the second time today, the Braves made a move to bolster their bench. Matt Diaz has already arrived and played most of a game, and now it will be Mariners shortstop Jack Wilson who will make his way to Atlanta. The 34-year old is currently on the disabled list with a bruised heal, though he should be good to go in two or three days.
Wilson is under contract through the end of 2011 and will make roughly $750,000 the rest of the way. No details on if cash considerations were sent to the Braves, but one would have to assume at least half of the amount owed was sent to Atlanta. Similar to the Diaz trade, the cost for Wilson was a player-to-be-named-later. That player will be nothing other than organizational filler.
This is a solid pickup for the Braves. They gave up nothing, get a veteran player capable of playing all over the infield, and find someone to take over Julio Lugo's role. Wilson is not a great hitter by any means -- .249/.283/.295 is his slash line for 2011 -- but he is as steady as they come defensively. In addition, it also gives Fredi Gonzalez a little more flexibility to pinch-hit for Alex Gonzalez should a big late-inning situation arise.
Give Frank Wren credit. Most teams don't do anything at the September 1 deadline, Wren added two capable players to his bench. Good moves on both deals.