Brian Wilson to throw off mound soon

MLB hitters are one day closer to "fearing the beard" again, as former San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson has jumped the final hurdle keeping him from throwing off of a mound, reports Hank Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle:

I learned today that free-agent Brian Wilson has completed his long-toss program and should begin throwing off a mound soon as he bids to return from his second "Tommy John" surgery. He continues to work out under the Giants’ supervision...

The Giants’ stance has not changed. They are still willing to discuss a contract with Wilson with a low base salary and big incentives if he is healthy.

Wilson, 30, missed the final month of 2011 and nearly all of the 2012 season with an elbow injury. Originally thought to just need some rest and TLC, Wilson ended up undergoing Tommy John surgery in April after throwing just two innings this past season.

Schulman adds that the Giants are under no illusion that they will be the only team in pursuit of Wilson's services, and realize that other clubs could swoop in with a sweeter deal.

San Francisco's current plan is to go forward with their other heavily-bearded reliever, Sergio Romo, as closer.