"Now this was more like it from Braves closer Billy Wagner, who faced three batters in the fourth inning and recorded three outs, including one strikeout and a double-play grounder.

The veteran lefty allowed three hits and two runs in his spring debut Friday against Washington.

"I feel like I had better command of the strike zone, and that to me is key," said Wagner, 38, who missed most of last season with the Mets while recovering from reconstructive elbow surgery.

Wagner, who recorded 59 of his 385 career saves during two seasons with the Phillies in 2004-2005, didn't mind being booed by plenty of Philly fans in a crowd of 10,674 at the Braves' spring home.

"Fans make the game," he said. "The more you have, the better it is. Good or bad."

Wagner also drew some boos from the Philly faithful for repeated throws to first base. He made so many of them - four - that Braves catcher Brian McCann came out at one point to see if he had his signals right.

Wagner laughed and explained to McCann that he was just working on his pickoff throws."