Dodgers eyeing Pirates’ Wilson, but salary is steep

The one hang-up is the shortstop’s $7.25 million salary for next season.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Dodgers have been involved in extensive talks this week about acquiring longtime Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson, with one hang-up being his $7.25 million salary for next season, a person familiar with the talks said Thursday.

Los Angeles apparently wants the Pirates to pick up a substantial share of Wilson’s salary, a problem because Pittsburgh has little organizational depth at shortstop and has no prospect ready to take his place, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because negotiations are ongoing.

The Dodgers had season-long problems at shortstop because of Rafael Furcal’s back problems, and would seem to be a good fit for Wilson — a southern California native who is strong defensively and is a .269 career hitter.

Wilson batted .272 with one homer and 22 RBIs last season, when he was limited to 87 games due to a strained calf and a broken finger. He never went on the disabled list in eight seasons prior to 2008, playing at least 135 games in each of the six previous seasons.

Wilson hit a career-high .308 while getting 201 hits in 2004.

Detroit also talked with the Pirates about Wilson, but the Tigers might not have enough money to make a deal unless the Pirates absorb most of his contract, said a person familiar with the Tigers’ negotiations who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation. Wilson’s contract also contains a 2010 club option for $8.4 million with a $600,000 buyout.

Wilson has a limited no-trade provision that bars deals to six teams, including the Tigers, unless he agrees.

After talking with Pittsburgh, the Tigers are now looking at Adam Everett, said the person familiar with the Tigers’ talks. Everett has played only 114 games the last two seasons with Houston and Minnesota. He hit .213 in 48 games with the Twins last season, missing extensive time because of a shoulder injury.

Detroit is seeking a shortstop after allowing Edgar Renteria to become a free agent. He agreed to a deal Thursday with San Francisco.

Pirates freeze prices

The Pirates are holding ticket prices at the same level as last season following attendance drops the last two seasons.

The club previously announced that season ticket prices would be frozen and that some new full-season ticket packages that offered lower prices than before would be offered.

Pirates single-game seats, which will go on sale Feb. 21, range from $35 for dugout boxes to $9 for outfield grandstand seats. Other boxes range from $27 to $20.