January 7, 2009 Vance Wilson has signed a minor league contract with the Royals, according to the Kansas City Star.
Our View:The 35-year-old catcher will continue to rehab from a right elbow injury, and won’t be in big-league camp during spring training. When he does join the Royals, he won't hold much fantasy value as a reserve.
June 25, 2008 Vance Wilson underwent another surgery on his right elbow on Tuesday, according to the Detroit News. The team labeled it a "right elbow reconstruction revision."
Our View:Obviously, Wilson will not be back in Detroit this season, and with Brandon Inge hurting, they could have used him to spell Ivan Rodriguez.
June 12, 2008 Vance Wilson was trying to return to the Tigers this season, but that is not going to happen as he will soon undergo a second Tommy John surgery on his right elbow after tearing another ligament, according to the Detroit News. Wilson said, "I hope to play again. But you just don't know with something like this. The recovery from this is grueling, but at least I know what I'm facing."
Our View:Wilson would have served as the Tigers' backup catcher if he was able to return. Brandon Inge should continue to maintain the role.
June 7, 2008 Vance Wilson, who is recovering from right elbow surgery, received several cortisone shots in his arm on Thursday, and expects to resume throwing next week, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Our View:Wilson could serve as a solid backup catcher, but the team is still unable to set a timetable for his return.
May 23, 2008 The hits just keep on coming for Vance Wilson. The catcher has been out since June of last year while recovering from Tommy John surgery and more recently has battled plantar fasciitis in his foot. On Friday Wilson was to catch seven inning in an extended spring game, but he was forced to leave after experiencing pain in his elbow while making a throw to second base, according to MLB.com. The pain is believed to have come from the breaking up of scar tissue remaining from his surgery. "What a nightmare," manager Jim Leyland said. "I feel bad for the guy." The training staff will examine Wilson on Saturday before deciding when he will catch in another extended spring game.
Our View:Wilson can be a solid backup catcher if he could ever get back on the field. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like that will happen anytime soon.
