Preston

Wilson

Doctors said P-Dub can begin nonweight bearing activities in six weeks rather than eight. We’ll let you know his status as next season comes into view. He’s expected to be the starting right fielder.

Cook will have surgery to remove a rib to help create better blood flow to his shoulder. He could begin throwing in January. Wilson will have loose cartilage particles removed from his left knee Friday in Vail. “Anytime you have a second surgery in a five-month span, it’s always a concern,” O’Dowd said.

It doesn’t look like anything is close to happening, but the Padres offered Jay Payton for Wilson and the Rockies proposed a deal with the Rangers that would have sent Wilson and Shawn Chacon to Texas for Alfonso Soriano. Wilson is owed $12 million next year in the final season of his deal.

Even if Wilson’s body holds up, the Padres don’t know if he can handle center field in Petco Park. The Rockies might keep talking trade with the Indians, who have reportedly offered Coco Crisp. Cleveland likely will want the Rockies to pick up a hefty portion of the $12 million Wilson is owed for 2005.

''I have been hitting on the field, doing agility drills,’' Wilson said. ''The knee isn’t sore. It feels good so far. But I am sure we are going to err on the side of caution.’' If Wilson proves he’s healthy, there’s a good chance he’ll be traded. He’s eligible for free agency after the season, and the Rockies won’t have much interest in re-signing him.

We still don’t see how this works for the Mets. Both players have $12 million left on their contracts, but Cameron is signed for the extra year. With all the questions surrounding his knee, it just isn’t a very good bet that Wilson will be an upgrade in 2005.

The good news is that Wilson’s surgically repaired left knee continues to show progress. When he plays is ''basically up to me,’' trainer Keith Dugger said.

The Rockies will pay a portion of Wilson’s salary to move him now, but he’s probably going to have to show he’s healthy in spring training before any teams will be especially interested. They’d be best off keeping him until July, but saving money seems to be priority No. 1.

Signing Mike Cameron would be a better option for the Mets, assuming that the Rockies would want real talent back for Wilson. Since the Wilson is due $21.5 million over the next two years, he isn’t worth giving up young players to acquire.

Wilson said the inflammation in his left knee that caused a setback last week has subsided. The finger he had surgery on in December has reclaimed its place as Wilson’s main concern.