The Pirates and Detroit continued discussions yesterday about a trade that would send Jack Wilson to the Tigers but, by all accounts, ran out of time in trying to determine how much of Wilson's contract -- he is owed $14.5 million the next two seasons -- the Pirates would have to pick up. The deadline yesterday applied only to non-waiver trades. Players can continue to be traded until Aug. 31 as long as they clear waivers, which, given Wilson's contract, he almost surely would do. Littlefield declined to comment on Wilson, dismissing the topic as "speculation." But sources on both sides confirmed that discussions were serious and will continue beyond the deadline yesterday. Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski, speaking to reporters last night in Oakland, Calif., refused to acknowledge any talks regarding Wilson. Dombrowski, it should be noted, acquired infielder Neifi Perez in an August deal last year.