C.J. Wilson
The former Head and Shoulders commercial star has become almost a forgotten player since the Angels have fallen out the playoff picture. But despite one rough season in 2014, the only time Wilson didn’t post an ERA below 4.00 in his career, he has managed to be rather successful in Los Angeles.
Wilson was shut down in July with shoulder issues, effectively ending his time with the Angels, and many thought the 36-year-old might call it a career. But, according to Ken Rosenthal, the lefty looks to be eyeing a return back to baseball in 2017.
C.J. Wilson, who had shoulder surgery in July, began throwing over a month ago and is progressing steadily. Showcase possible in February.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 6, 2017
With Wilson’s showcase should draw a decent crowd, particularly with how weak the free agency market is this offseason, Wilson is a more viable option now than he would be in other seasons. Before the shoulder problems, Wilson was about as durable as they come, pitching in at least 200+ innings from 2010-2013, while never posting an ERA above 3.83.
And his 2015 was rather solid too, posting a 3.89 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP, and a .237 opponent batting average.
However, that was prime C.J. Wilson and it would be stupid to expect the veteran starter to produce numbers like that. But, his career numbers show he has never truly been hit hard holding opponents to a .238 average during his 11-seasons in baseball.
If Wilson can show he is 100% again, adding a polished left-handed veteran like him would certainly help lessen the load of the Cubs trio of Lester, Hendricks, and Arrieta.
