According to Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas, C.J. Wilson will likely be the first arm out of the bullpen if Matt Harrison needs relief. Wilson has underwhelmed this postseason with a 6.08 ERA and 24/19 K/BB ratio over 26 2/3 innings. Starter Derek Holland is also expected to be available out of the bullpen. Holland allowed one run over two innings in last night's Game 6.

C.J. Wilson allowed two runs on four hits and walked five over 5 1/3 innings in the Rangers 4-2 win over the Cardinals in Game 5 of the World Series. Wilson's fastball was noticeably flat and the Cardinals took advantage of it early, scoring all of their runs in the second inning. Darren Oliver gets the win in relief, and Neftali Feliz finished for his sixth save of the playoffs, striking out Albert Pujols as part of a double play when Allen Craig was caught stealing second. The no-decision allowed Wilson to avoid being the first pitcher to lose four times in a single postseason. It's not unreasonable to think his playoff woes could impact his value on the open market this winter.

C.J. Wilson labored through 5 2/3 innings in Game 1 of the World Series, allowing three runs on four hits and six walks in a loss to the Cardinals. He also hit a batter. Wilson came out of the game with two outs in the sixth inning but watched an inherited runner score when Alexi Ogando gave up a pinch-hit RBI single to Allen Craig. He was in and out of trouble all night and lucky to avoid damage as often as he did. Wilson now sports an un-ace-like 7.17 ERA in four September starts. He's in line to pitch Game 5 in Texas.

Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun reports that the Blue Jays had scouts at at least eight of lefty C.J. Wilson's 34 starts this season. Elliott thinks this is a sign that the Jays could go after the left-hander in free agency, though he also concedes that they could have been just "doing their necessary homework." Wilson figures to be the biggest pitching prize over the winter, though he hasn't done himself any favors with his erratic postseason performance.

The Rangers starting rotation has a combined 5.62 ERA in 10 postseason games. It's the fifth highest total in MLB history with at least 10 games played. Staring pitching has struggled mightily for the Rangers this postseason after finishing third in the American League in ERA, fifth in innings pitched, and setting a new club record for shutouts. The strength of their rotation will be an important factor in whether they can finally claim their first World Series. C.J. Wilson (0-2) is scheduled to start Game 1 against the Cardinals on Wednesday night.

Rangers manager Ron Washington announced Monday that C.J. Wilson will start Game 1 of the World Series against the Cardinals on Wednesday night. Wilson will get the nod, despite an ugly 8.04 ERA over three starts this postseason. "He's my number one guy, nothing has changed," said Washington. The Rangers' skipper hasn't named a Game 2 starter, but Derek Holland has followed Wilson in the rotation over the first two rounds of the playoffs.

C.J. Wilson fell apart in the sixth inning Wednesday, giving up four of his six runs and four of his eight hits in the ALCS Game 5 loss to the Tigers. Wilson entered the frame with the game tied 2-2, but he then proceeded to allow a natural cycle in the inning, though Miguel Cabrera's double was a bad break since it hit off the third-base bag. The Rangers' No. 1 starter hasn't pitched like an ace this postseason, posting a 8.04 ERA over three outings. He'll be ready for Game 1 of the World Series, though, if the Rangers can take one of the final two games at home.

Rangers president Nolan Ryan said Tuesday that the club won't talk to impending free agent C.J. Wilson about a contract until after the season. "We don't believe in negotiating during the season, so we have put that on hold until after we're through playing and we'll start talking to C.J. and his agent and see where they are and what their thoughts are," explained Ryan. "I have nothing to base any kind of prediction off of." This news shouldn't come as a big surprise and while the Rangers will have an exclusive window to talk with Wilson following the World Series, the southpaw will almost certainly test the open market.

Jon Heyman of SI.com thinks the Yankees are "probably the early favorite" to sign impending free agent C.J. Wilson. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported Thursday that Wilson would be "coveted heavily" by the Yankees, as well as the Red Sox. The left-hander will be the biggest free agent pitching prize, so it's no surprise the teams with the biggest payrolls would be after him, and it just so happens that each club has a need for starting pitching. Wilson could land a nine-figure contract.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, C.J. Wilson will be "coveted heavily" by the Red Sox and Yankees when he hits free agency this winter. Wilson is the best starter available this winter, so this shouldn't come as a shock. Pitching was a big reason for the Red Sox collapse while the Yankees can't expect to get as lucky in their starting rotation next season. Even if the southpaw signs elsewhere, he should be rewarded handsomely.