"Billy Wagner is back in baseball before he really ever went anywhere.

The lefty's agent issued a statement yesterday saying Wagner intends to pitch in 2010 -- despite Wagner telling The Post on Monday he was eyeing retirement.

Wagner's agent, Bean Stringfellow, wrote in a text message that Wagner has "every intention of playing" next year. Stringfellow indicated to several media outlets that Wagner was venting -- frustrated after the Red Sox elimination from the postseason -- when he spoke to The Post.

On Monday, Wagner responded to a question about where he might pitch next season by saying, "I don't plan on talking to nobody."

Asked if that meant retirement, he responded: "Why wouldn't I? I've got nothing else to [accomplish]." "