Craig Wilson Trade Could Impact Felix Hernandez

With OF Carl Everett's game in question in Seattle, the acquisition of Pittsburgh's Craig Wilson could push Everett to the bench. The Mariners have offered SP Joel Piniero to Pittsburgh for Wilson, and if the deal is finalized, 19-year-old Seattle fireballer Felix Hernandez would replace Piniero by advancing to the No. 4 starting position, greatly enhancing King Felix's value, while highly regarded prospect Jesse Foppert would advance to the No. 5 starter's spot replacing Hernandez. Everett, 34, who batted .252 with 23 homers for Chicago last year, appears to be falling behind fellow veteran Matt Lawton on the depth chart with Everett's mediocre spring performance. Everett is batting .279 with just one homer, two doubles and his career standard .300 OBP. Wilson, who plays outfield and first, could displace Everett in the outfield or at DH. Hernandez, who will turn 20 on April 18, is suffering from shin splints but is not expected to miss time. Hernandez's value is undermined by his current position as No. 5 starter, which could limit his appearances to just two for the first month of the season, then cause him to miss more starts thoughout the year.