Untitled Page

Brian Wilson News & Rumors

Brian Wilson has power and positive thinking
May 17
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist Scott Ostler
"Brian Wilson worked out on a stationary bike Wednesday at the Giants' ballpark, the first real exercise doctors have allowed him to tackle since his Tommy John surgery April 19. I hope Wilson used some type of protective device for his beard. It would be tragic if that facial foliage got tangled in the bike's spinning spokes and the Giants' closer went all Isadora Duncan on us (she was a modern dance pioneer who died when her scarf got caught in the wheel of a sports car)."
Giants' Wilson has surgery Thursday
April 19
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Brian Wilson and the Giants didn't waste much time in having him undergo Tommy John surgery. Dr. James Andrews will handle the operation Thursday in Pensacola, Fla. Last Thursday, Wilson picked up his one and only save of 2012, at Colorado. On Saturday, the Giants announced that their bearded closer probably needed surgery. Dr. Ken Akizuki, the Giants' orthopedist, will be on hand for the operation to repair a torn ulnar-collateral ligament. Wilson also had Tommy John surgery while he was at LSU."
Wilson has "moderate sprain," seeking opinons
April 17
CSN Bay Area
 
"Giants closer Brian Wilson has a "moderate sprain" of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, and although he expects to have Tommy John surgery, it's no sure bet that the procedure will be advised when he meets with two top orthopedists this week. Giants trainer Dave Groeschner would not confirm the extent of the damage to Wilson's UCL, but described the sprain as moderate and acknowledged that all sprains are considered tears to some degree. If Wilson's UCL is not fully torn, it could be considered a Grade 2 (on a scale of three) -- an injury that some pitchers opt to rehab rather than have surgery. Groeschner would not comment on that, except to say that surgery was not a slam"
Giants' Brian Wilson knew he'd injured his elbow
April 16
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Brian Wilson told his manager and trainer that he turned an ankle on that 1-0 pitch to Colorado first baseman Tyler Colvin. In fact, he said Sunday morning, he felt a pop in his elbow but had no intention of letting someone else finish a game that Madison Bumgarner started. "I was still able to finish the inning," Wilson said in his first public comments since his severe elbow injury was disclosed. "My mindset was, 'OK, if it's inflammation, get out of your mess. If it's season-ending, your last pitch is going to be preserving Bumgarner's win. I'm not walking off the mound a failure.' " Wilson walked off the Coors Field mound with a save Thursday. He also expects it was the last time he"
Brian Wilson likely headed for season-ending elbow surgery
April 15
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Eight games into the 2012 season, the Giants have suffered a potentially devastating injury. Closer Brian Wilson is facing likely elbow surgery and might be lost for the season. An MRI on Friday night revealed that Wilson has "structural issues" with the ligament in his right elbow, manager Bruce Bochy said Saturday before the Giants' 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at AT&T Park. Wilson has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, but he's probably going to be out a lot longer. After a 32-pitch inning against Colorado on Thursday in which he struggled to get the save during a 4-2 Giants' win, Wilson complained of elbow stiffness Friday. Subsequent tests revealed structural damage,"
SF Giants' Brian Wilson might be out for season
April 15
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Barely a week into the season, the Giants have to deal with an injury that could leave the team without its closer for the rest of 2012. Brian Wilson has "structural issues" with his right elbow, in the words of manager Bruce Bochy. And, Bochy conceded Saturday afternoon, Wilson "likely ... is heading toward surgery." The Giants planned to get second and third opinions on the MRI exam Wilson had Friday. But assuming those opinions aren't dramatically different, Wilson appears to be out for the season."
SF Giants' fans help Buster Posey, Brian Wilson
April 3
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"The Giants returned to town and got all emotional, thanks to their fans. "It's one of the coolest experiences I've had in baseball, and I feel really lucky to play in San Francisco," catcher Buster Posey said after his first game since May 25, having receiving loud cheers when first taking his position and before each of his four plate appearances. "I can't express enough how meaningful it was. It was really special.""
Giants need Wilson healthy as other closers fall
March 27
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist John Shea
"As the 2010 championship run was ending, Brian Wilson put the final touches on his most dominating season. Forty-eight saves, a 1.179 WHIP and a 1.81 ERA. Postseason? No earned runs in 11 2/3 innings and final outs from Melky Cabrera, Ryan Howard and Nelson Cruz to begin three series-ending celebrations, each greater than the next. Last year, Wilson bowed out Aug. 15, and so did the Giants, essentially. He was shut down with an injured elbow and pitched just twice more in late September. In the games he was unavailable, the Giants went 20-20. They finished four games back in the wild-card race."
Tim Lincecum, Brian Wilson get their work in against minor leaguers
March 23
San Jose Mercury News
 
"There isn't much seating for fans at the Giants' minor league facility, but those who got there early Thursday were in for a heck of a surprise. On one field stood Brian Wilson. On the other, Tim Lincecum. Wilson ventured to the minor league facility to have a controlled environment for his latest inning of work. Lincecum was looking to stay away from the Colorado Rockies, whom he will face in the second series of the season. The Giants and Rockies met in an exhibition game Thursday night. "There are so many (National League) West teams here, and you try to avoid facing them right before the season," he said. "You don't want guys getting a knack for you, and you don't want stupid things"
San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson sharp in spring training debut
March 12
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Brian Wilson delivered a succinct message Sunday to anyone still concerned about his right elbow: Stop worrying. The Giants closer made a seamless spring training debut, throwing an efficient nine-pitch scoreless inning during the club's 7-5 victory over the Seattle Mariners. Making Wilson's sparkling start all the more notable was the fact that Buster Posey was his catcher, and both finished on an simultaneous up note in the fourth inning. Posey gunned down would-be base-stealer Carlos Peguero at second base on the pitch Wilson threw to strike out Vinnie Catricala. "I like to see Buster back behind the dish, throwing people out, although the ideal situation is not to have a guy on, but"
Giants' Wilson, Posey pick up where they left off
March 12
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"It was one pitch that encapsulated everything the Giants hoped to see this spring. Closer Brian Wilson fired a cutter past Seattle designated hitter Vinnie Catricala for strike three. Buster Posey caught the ball, leaped from his crouch and threw out Carlos Peguero trying to steal second base. Wilson's 2012 debut Sunday was just as satisfying as Posey's two days before. With his elbow injury a distant memory, Wilson pitched the fourth inning of a 7-5 Giants victory and retired the side on nine pitches, all fastballs and cutters."
Brian Wilson faces hitters, looks strong
March 5
San Jose Mercury News
 
"The Giants had a pair of road split-squad games Sunday, but one of the day's most important developments took place before the buses ever left Scottsdale Stadium. Brian Wilson faced hitters for the first time this spring, throwing 20 pitches to Emmanuel Burriss, Brandon Belt and Gary Brown. "It was coming out of his hand well and moving well," Burriss said. "He didn't look like he was holding back." The Giants have been taking it slow with Wilson, who appeared in just six of their final 56 games last season because of elbow inflammation. Wilson threw four-seam fastballs, cutters and sliders Sunday and remains on pace to pitch in an exhibition game March 11. "All of us were saying he looked"
Giants' Brian Wilson says he's now 100 percent healthy
February 28
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Brian Wilson looks sharp while throwing and feels just as good long after he walks off the mound. And he wants you to know it. In his most expansive interview since he hurt his elbow last summer, Wilson said he is 100 percent healthy and made it crystal clear that he intends to be waiting in the bullpen on Opening Day. "I'll be ready," he said, eyes flashing. "I know there is speculation I won't be, but if there's a save opportunity on Opening Day, I'll be saving the game." After Wilson's impressive bullpen session Monday, his third of the spring, it would be hard to take him at anything but his word. And Wilson's word is as authoritative as ever. Asked to expand on the state of his elbow,"
Brian Wilson: 'I'll be ready Opening Day'
February 28
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Though closer Brian Wilson has not thrown to a hitter since September and will not pitch in an exhibition game for two weeks, he declared Monday that he will pitch the ninth inning of the April 6 season opener at Arizona if the Giants have a small lead. "I'll be ready Opening Day," he said after another good bullpen session at Scottsdale Stadium. "I know there's speculation I won't be, but I will be. If there's a save opportunity on Opening Day, I'll be saving the game. I'm ready.""
Brian Wilson throws more intense bullpen session Thursday
February 24
San Jose Mercury News
 
"After a couple of slightly worrisome days, all was back to normal during the team's bullpen sessions. Brian Wilson, on the road back from an elbow injury, threw a 27-pitch bullpen session. With manager Bruce Bochy, pitching coach Dave Rightetti and trainer Dave Groeschner watching closely, Wilson occasionally aired it out with his fastball. It was a more strenuous session than Monday's, when Wilson was throwing at only about 80 percent effort. "It's just getting better each time, and that's what you're looking for," Bochy said. "He's right where we want him to be. It was a good session for him." Tim Lincecum also threw and had no issues with his back, which stiffened up Tuesday. "He wasn't"
As free agency nears, Brian Wilson's future unclear
February 24
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Brian Wilson's second formal bullpen session of spring training Thursday was a success. He threw harder than he did Monday and was hitting his location targets. Afterward, manager Bruce Bochy said, "It's just getting better each time." If Wilson's progress continues at this clip, he finally can stuff his 2011 elbow injury in a basement closet as he launches his fifth full season as the Giants' closer April 6. Wilson has been a ninth-inning rock for the Giants, one of only four closers who saved at least 20 games for the same team in each of the past four seasons. He leads that group with 163 saves, followed by the Yankees' Mariano Rivera (160), the Reds' Francisco Cordero (150) and the"
San Francisco Giants: Brian Wilson throws without pain
February 21
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Brian Wilson admitted Monday that he pitched with elbow pain all of last season, and often also dealt with pain in his hip and back. But a couple hours after his first bullpen session since pitchers and catchers reported, Wilson deemed himself "right on schedule" for Opening Day. "It was pain-free, no ailments or inflammation," Wilson said of his right elbow, which sidelined him for much of the second half last season. "I don't imagine there will be any hiccups.""
Brian Wilson says he was hurting for most of 2011
February 21
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Closer Brian Wilson revealed Monday that he pitched through pain in his hip and right elbow for most of 2011, which means his arm was not right long before he strained it in mid-August, effectively ending his season. Wilson offered this confession three hours after his first regular bullpen session of spring training, which ended with a few humped-up fastballs that he had kept in his back pocket for most of the session."
Closer Brian Wilson ready to start throwing
January 24
San Jose Mercury News
 
"There are plenty of baby-faced rookies attending the Giants' conditioning minicamp at Scottsdale Stadium. Then there is Brian Wilson. The black-bearded closer arrived in Arizona last week to get a jump on his throwing program; he'll take an important step in a few days when he throws off a mound for the first time since the club shut him down because of recurring elbow soreness last season. "He's always been a workaholic, always in great shape," Giants trainer Dave Groeschner said in a phone interview. "We're working on his range of motion in his lower body, his flexibility, and of course strengthening his elbow and shoulder. It's great he's here. It's easy for us to keep an eye on him.""
Giants will give away 20,000 Brian Wilson garden gnomes in 2012
November 15
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"After a setting attendance records in the season following their 2010 World Series title, what do the Giants plan on doing to maintain their sellout crowds? Four words: Brian Wilson garden gnome. Last season, Wilson's minor league team, the Hagerstown Suns, gave out 1,000 of these gnomes with the bearded closer dressed in his former uniform. The Giants are now planning on repeating this campaign on the big league level for the 2012 season. The 2012 gnomes may be a little different, probably feature a longer and more scraggly beard."
Giants' Ryan Vogelsong finishes strong; Brian Wilson done for season
September 27
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Vogelsong finishes strong; Wilson done for season A record-breaking sellout crowd sent off Ryan Vogelsong with a rousing ovation Monday night. But they couldn't deliver a final salute to their bearded wonder in the bullpen. Vogelsong pitched seven shutout innings in the Giants' 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies, capping an out-of-nowhere All-Star season in which his 2.71 ERA led a brilliant starting staff. Closer Brian Wilson did not pick up the save, though. Manager Bruce Bochy confirmed that Wilson, who had missed a month with an inflamed elbow before making two appearances last week, will be shut down for the season. "I don't see the point of throwing Brian out there now," Bochy"
SF Giants Brian Wilson off DL
September 19
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Closer Brian Wilson came off the disabled list Sunday, just short of five weeks after he hurt his elbow, and struck out his first two batters in a 1-2-3 eighth inning. Justin Christian dived into the seats to catch Eric Young Jr.'s foul ball. Before the game, Wilson talked to print reporters for the first time since the injury and scoffed at the widely held notion that he should have stopped throwing to ensure his arm is healthy next year. "I'm not worried about 2012, and the Giants shouldn't be worried about 2012 either," Wilson said. "That's why I'm activated today. We're not eliminated. I don't care what percentages you talk about. There's still baseball left. There's always a chance,"
Wilson could return Sunday; Sanchez improving
September 18
MLB.com
 
"Giants closer Brian Wilson played catch Saturday, and manager Bruce Bochy said after the team's 6-5 win over the Rockies that there's "a good chance" Wilson will be activated from the disabled list Sunday. "There's a good chance that, right now, if he comes in tomorrow and feels fine, then we will activate him," Bochy said. Wilson, who hasn't pitched since Aug. 15, has twice thrown to live hitters in the past week, and Bochy has said the closer wants to return to the mound this season to have "peace of mind" heading into the winter."
No decision yet on shutting down Brian Wilson for season
September 5
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Now that the Giants' postseason hopes are fading, they may be closer to making a decision whether to shut down closer Brian Wilson for the rest of the season. Before the game, however, it didn't appear the club was leaning that way. Wilson threw on flat ground Sunday morning under the supervision of manager Bruce Bochy and trainer Dave Groeschner, and the manager said if Wilson responds well, he may have a bullpen session off a mound Monday in San Diego. Wilson was placed on the disabled list Aug. 21 (retroactive to Aug. 16) with elbow inflammation. He has thrown on flat ground several times, and even though he could be activated at any time, he has yet to throw off the mound. Bochy said"
Wilson throws, return date remains unknown
August 26
MLB.com
 
"Brian Wilson played catch for six or seven minutes Thursday afternoon, Giants manager Bruce Bochy said, but it's still unlikely that the All-Star closer will be ready to return from the 15-day disabled list when he is eligible on Wednesday. Wilson, nursing an inflamed right elbow, had not thrown since going on the DL Sunday, and he will be evaluated by trainers Friday before deciding the next step in his recovery. As he has since going on the DL, Wilson declined to comment on his recovery. "We haven't ruled it out, but that's going to be tough for him to be ready to go when his time is up," Bochy said. "We'll see where he's at tomorrow and then make a call.""
Brian Wilson to DL wasn't easy call for Giants
August 22
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist John Shea
"The Giants considered closer Brian Wilson's long-term health and value, not just the season's final six weeks, when placing him on the disabled list Sunday. "Long term, it's the best thing we can do for him in his career and for us this year," manager Bruce Bochy said. Wilson felt elbow discomfort while trying to play catch Friday and Saturday, and now he'll rest the arm a few days. Trainer Dave Groeschner called the injury a minor flexor strain and inflammation and said Wilson fought going on the DL for the second time this season. "Of course," Groeschner said. "We didn't come to blows, but ... listen, you don't want to put anyone on the DL right now. But you've got to take care of him."
It's looking as if Wilson will go on disabled list
August 21
San Jose Mercury News
 
"Giants closer Brian Wilson continued to avoid speaking with reporters on Saturday. But there may be no avoiding the disabled list. There are strong indications the Giants will give a 15-day timeout to their closer and most recognizable player on Sunday, when they'll need all the healthy bullpen arms they can get behind spot starter Dan Runzler. The condition of Wilson's inflamed right elbow remained a closely guarded secret. But if he has picked up a baseball since his rough outing Monday at Atlanta, he hasn't done it in plain sight. Bochy said Wilson would continue to get treatment and "when we think he's ready to throw, he'll start throwing again." If Wilson goes on the D.L., he wouldn't"
SF Giants hold their breath on closer Brian Wilson
August 19
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"In the Brian Wilson wing of the trainers' room, there's a lot of treating and hoping. "Brian, he's one of those guys who's got a remarkable ability to recover. So I wouldn't put anything past him," Giants trainer Dave Groeschner said. "But we also need to make sure he's healthy." Wilson could play catch today, Groeschner said, but caution will be exercised with the closer, who was diagnosed with elbow inflammation during a Tuesday visit to Dr. James Andrews in Florida. Though it's believed the Giants were concerned that Wilson might have had structural damage in the elbow, Groeschner said Wilson was sent to Andrews because an evaluation was necessary, and Andrews, who performed Tommy John"