Billy Wagner News: Pro Sports Daily

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March 10

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"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. ..."

Wagner has quickly become a Braves leader

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March 2

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"The Braves noticed quickly that you can take the boy out of Tannersville, but can't take Tannersville out of the boy. Or the man, in this particular case. Because there's nothing about Billy Wagner that seems boyish anymore. The Braves' new closer is 38, with more hair on his chest than head. He's listed generously at 5 feet 10 and 180 pounds, a height he's probably never known, a weight he hasn't for some time. He's stout around the middle, thick in the thighs, thicker in the calves. His regular attire - on the farm, in the hotel lobby, at the ballpark, wherever -- is jeans, collared western shirt and boots, topped off with a cowboy hat. That's a look you must own or leave at home. "If ..."

Cowboy Billy makes early impression

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February 20

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Billy Wagner cut a rugged figure as he strode across the field to the dugout Friday morning. The Braves' new closer wore a brown cowboy hat, jeans, work boots and Western-style flannel shirt. One has to be good - and confident - to pull off that look in this environment. Wagner is, and did. Pitchers and catchers reported Friday, but Wagner and some others had been in camp several days. The 37-year-old "Wags" looked like he'd been there several years, judging from the ease with which he interacted with teammates and held court with reporters. "Wags is going to be the veteran presence that - not that we've been missing, necessarily, but I think he's just going to have that presence and ..."

Wagner isn't retiring, agent says

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October 16

New York Post

"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.""

Wags is not gonna retire, agent says

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October 15

New York Post

"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 ..."

Team 'excited' to get lefty Billy Wagner

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August 26

Boston Herald

"For most of yesterday morning, the Red Sox were convinced they had another Brian Giles on their hands. A year ago, the Sox made an August waiver deal to obtain Giles from San Diego, only to have Giles invoke his no-trade clause and remain with the cellar-dwelling Padres. Until shortly after noon yesterday, reliever Billy Wagner seemed intent on following suit: sticking to his no-trade protection and finishing out the season with the fourth-place New York Mets. But then Wagner had a change of heart, and the Red Sox had themselves another bullpen weapon. "I think it wound up changing because of his competitive nature," said Bean Stringfellow, Wagner's agent, "and his hopes of playing in the ..."

Done deal: Wagner coming to Red Sox

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August 25

Boston Globe

"Whether it was a chance to pitch in a pennant race, a factor based on finances and his future, or simply the assurance that the Red Sox won't overuse his repaired left arm, this much is certain: Billy Wagner had a change of heart, and he's coming to Boston after all. The lefthanded, long-time closer, who was claimed by Boston on waivers from the New York Mets on Friday, waived his no-trade clause this afternoon after the Red Sox and Mets worked out a trade before the 1:30 p.m. deadline. The Red Sox will pay the remainder of Wagner's salary this season. The Red Sox will send two players to be named later to New York in exchange for the 38-year-old Wagner, a 15-year veteran who has ..."

Mets Send Wagner to Red Sox

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August 25

New York Times

"Billy Wagner signed with the Mets in November 2005 expecting to win a World Series with them. Four years later, he is not as picky. Wagner, now 38, just wants to win. He will at least get a chance now that the Mets traded him to the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday afternoon, consummating the deal just before his waiver claim expired at 1:30 p.m. To join the Red Sox, Wagner changed his mind and waived his no-trade clause. Just Monday, Wagner said he did not expect to be traded unless "something changes with Boston." The Red Sox assured Wagner that they would decline his $8 million team option for 2010, thus making him a free agent."

Closer Billy Wagner agrees to join Red Sox

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August 25

New York Daily News

"Billy Wagner has a new employer. And the cash-strapped Mets have $3.2 million more to spend this offseason. Wagner, who sent signals that he might block a move to the Red Sox, relented before Tuesday's 1:30 p.m. deadline and has agreed to relocate to Fenway Park, the Mets announced. He had been claimed off waivers by Boston last week. Wagner, who is within 15 saves of 400 for his career, had cited multiple reasons for hesitancy to join the Red Sox: He wants to close next season. He wants to choose a team within proximity to his native Virginia rather than be at the mercy of the Red Sox to relocate him this winter. And he didn't want draft-pick compensation attached to his free agency. The ..."

Report: NY Mets' Billy Wagner will use no-trade clause to block deal with Boston Red Sox

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August 25

Newark Star-Ledger

"Billy Wagner will invoke his no-trade clause Tuesday and block a deal that would send him from the Mets to the Red Sox, Fox Sports reported on its web site. Boston claimed Wagner off waivers Friday, giving the teams until early Tuesday afternoon to work out a deal. But Wagner said after Monday's game that he expected to remain with the Mets, and The Boston Globe quoted an anonymous source Tuesday morning as saying the deal was "probably dead.""

As Red Sox deadline looms, Mets pitcher Billy Wagner likely to stay

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August 25

New York Daily News

"Billy Wagner believes there is a strong chance he will remain a Met after Tuesday's deadline to complete a trade with Boston passes. "My gut tells me I'm going to Florida right now (with the Mets)," Wagner said after working the eighth inning of Monday's 6-2 loss to the Phillies. "This time tomorrow, I don't know. But unless something changes with Boston, I'll probably be a Met." The former All-Star closer confirmed before the game that as a condition of waiving his no-trade clause, he had asked the Red Sox to agree to decline his 2010 contract option and to not offer him arbitration once he becomes a free agent. According to FOXSports.com, Wagner's agent Bean Stringfellow said that ..."

Billy Wagner still in works

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August 25

Boston Herald

"The Red Sox' attempt to pry reliever Billy Wagner from the Mets was expected to go down to the 1 p.m. deadline this afternoon. Wagner, claimed off waivers by the Red Sox late last week, made it clear after the Mets' game yesterday that he will void his no-trade clause only if the team trading for him will agree to not exercise his 2010 option worth $8 million. "I don't want to end my career as a setup man," Wagner said. "I'd like to have that option." The Red Sox want Wagner as a set-up man for closer Jonathan Papelbon. Initially, the Red Sox were led to believe that the Mets were not looking for much in return from any team willing to take Wagner and the remainder of his $10.5 million ..."

Wagner Expects To Stay A Met

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August 25

New York Post

"Bye-bye Billy? Probably not. Billy Wagner had no clear answer about his future employment as he departed Citi Field yesterday, but was expecting he would remain Mets property heading into tonight's game at Florida. "Unless something changes, I'll probably be a Met," Wagner said after his team's 6-2 loss to the Phillies. The lefty reliever was claimed off waivers by the Red Sox last week, and the teams have until 1 p.m. today to work out a deal, providing Wagner agrees to waive his no-trade clause. But Wagner won't make that concession unless he receives a guarantee from the Red Sox that his $8 million option for next season won't be exercised and he won't be offered arbitration by the ..."

Wagner Considers Staying a Met

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August 25

New York Times

"The left-handed reliever Billy Wagner said that if the situation remained the same before Tuesday's deadline, he would probably stay with the Mets, even as the Red Sox and the Mets were trying to work out a trade for him. "Unless something changes with Boston, I'll probably be a Met," he said. Wagner said he wanted some assurance that the Red Sox would not overuse him as he continued his recovery from ligament-replacement surgery last September. "You wouldn't want to put them in a situation, and I don't need to go up there and feel like I've got to impress somebody coming off 11 months of Tommy John," he said, referring to the surgery. "I've come back and worked hard to get this far. To go ..."

Wagner wants option declined

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August 24

ESPN.com

"Billy Wagner wants to be a closer next season, regardless of the team. That's why the New York Mets reliever says Boston must guarantee it will decline his contract option for 2010 before he would approve a potential trade to the Red Sox, who already have an All-Star closer in Jonathan Papelbon. Wagner has a no-trade clause in his contract, which includes an $8 million option for next year with a $1 million buyout. If his option is declined, he can become a free agent in the offseason and sign with any team. Wagner confirmed Monday that Boston placed a waiver claim on him last Friday. The Mets have until Tuesday to trade him to the Red Sox, pull him back off waivers or assign him to Boston ..."

Deal for Wagner hits potential roadblock

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August 24

MLB.com

"The Red Sox and Billy Wagner reportedly need to resolve some issues in order for the veteran reliever to waive his no-trade clause and clear the way for a deal with the Mets. Agent Bean Stringfellow told FOXSports.com that his client's conditions for waiving the no-trade clause were not being met by the Red Sox, meaning a deal before a Tuesday deadline could be in jeopardy. If there is no deal before Boston's waiver claim runs out Tuesday, the Mets could choose to pull Wagner off waivers, losing the right to trade him the remainder of the season. Or, they could choose to allow the Red Sox to claim without compensation and Wagner would be transferred to the Red Sox. According to the report, ..."

Red Sox's Jonathan Papelbon takes shot at in-limbo Billy Wagner

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August 24

New York Daily News

"The next save Jonathan Papelbon makes should be against himself. First, the Boston closer dissed Mariano Rivera before the All-Star Game last season. Now he's pulling a similar act with the Mets' Billy Wagner. The Mets put Wagner on waivers and the Red Sox were awarded the claim, so it's likely the hard-throwing lefthander is going to be joining Boston in the coming week. Papelbon's reaction? He questions the wisdom of a move that most would call a no-brainer. "I like the way our bullpen sets up right now," Papelbon said Sunday. "We have a good dynamic in the bullpen. We have guys who know how to work well together. ... It's not that simple." Relief pitching has been one of Boston's ..."

Papelbon not sold on Wagner deal

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August 24

Boston Herald

"The Red Sox' pursuit of Billy Wagner reportedly hit a stumbling block last night. And closer Jonathan Papelbon wasn't so sure that was a bad thing. Asked before the Sox' 8-4 loss to the Yankees if he thought the team should acquire the left-handed reliever from the Mets, Papelbon had mixed feelings. "It's a tough decision, because do you disrupt what we have now or do you make it better?" he said. "It's a tough decision, and I'm glad I don't have to make it." What makes the decision "tough" in Papelbon's mind appears to come out of a sense of loyalty he feels to the current bullpen. As in, if it's not broke, why fix it? Sox relievers have been mostly productive since the arrival of Daniel ..."

In Red Sox' Bullpen, Arms Not Exactly Open

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August 24

New York Times

"Jonathan Papelbon is a superb closer for the Red Sox, but he has moonlighted as a general manager for the past two days. Papelbon has shown why he is better at firing fastballs than he is at assembling a bullpen. With the Red Sox claiming the Mets' Billy Wagner off waivers Friday, there is a good chance Wagner will soon join Papelbon in the Boston bullpen. Papelbon noted that Wagner's arrival would mean "somebody has to go," and he lamented how adding a new pitcher might even adversely affect the Red Sox. "Wagner is an All-Star-caliber pitcher," Papelbon said Sunday before the Yankees' 8-4 win. "He's a phenomenal pitcher. There's no denying that. What I'm trying to get across is it's just ..."

Mets team officals plan to pitch in-limbo Billy Wagner against Phillies

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August 23

New York Daily News

"Team officials said they planned to proceed with using Billy Wagner against the Phillies today while the former closer is in limbo. Wagner is expected to become a Red Sox reliever by Tuesday. Boston, which claimed the southpaw off waivers, likely either will assume the $3.3 million owed to Wagner with a 2010 buyout, or assume a lesser amount and send the Mets a prospect. "Certainly, the Red Sox would give him a chance to win a World Series, and this year that's first and foremost," said Wagner's agent, Bean Stringfellow. "From where we sit, that's all that matters right now. Over the next six weeks he'd have a chance to win, and then we could think about next year." Wagner, who made a ..."

Billy Wagner willing to change Sox

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August 23

Boston Herald

"Mets reliever Billy Wagner will waive his no-trade clause to join the Red Sox if the team can swing a deal for him by Tuesday, his agent said last night. Bean Stringfellow, who represents Wagner, said his client's main concern is pitching for a winner this year. After that, the 38-year-old would like to close, because he needs only 15 more saves to become the fifth pitcher ever to reach 400. However, Stringfellow stopped short of saying Wagner would ask the Sox not to pick up his $8 million option for 2010 as a condition of any trade. "Certainly, the Red Sox would give him a chance to win a World Series, and this year that's first and foremost," Stringfellow said. "From where we sit, ..."

Billy Wagner could be headed to unfamiliar territory

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August 23

Boston Herald

"If the Mets and the Red Sox execute a trade sending Billy Wagner to Boston, Wagner won't see too many familiar faces in his new clubhouse. Of the Sawx's current traveling group, only one person has been a Wagner teammate: Red Sox first-base coach Tim Bogar, a former Met, played with Wagner on the Astros from 1997 through 2000, the period when Wagner established himself as an elite closer. "I remember when he first started working on his slider," Bogar said. As a first-year member of the Red Sox staff, Bogar said he wasn't consulted on Boston's waiver claim; it has been a long time, after all. But Wagner had that closer's swagger even back then, and Bogar has no doubt that the Red Sox would ..."

Wagner Remains a Met and Is Available to Pitch

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August 23

New York Times

"Even with reports that Billy Wagner may soon join the Red Sox, Mets Manager Jerry Manuel said he had not been told by the front office to keep Wagner in the bullpen until a deal could be reached. Wagner was placed on waivers this week and was reportedly claimed by the Boston Red Sox on Thursday. The Mets and the Red Sox have until Tuesday afternoon to work out a deal."

Bosox Claim Wagner Off Waiver

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August 22

New York Post

"Billy Wagner could be calling Fenway Park home by Tuesday. Fresh off Wagner's impressive return Thursday night from Tommy John elbow surgery, the Red Sox placed a waiver claim on him yesterday. The former All-Star closer said Boston's move was "news to me," but Wagner was openly excited by the prospect of a meaningful September and October. "Every player wants to do is play on a contender and have a shot to go to the World Series," Wagner said before the Mets opened a four-game series at Citi Field with a 4-2 win over the Phillies. The Mets now have until 1 p.m. Tuesday to work out a trade with the Red Sox, allow Boston to simply take him as part of a salary dump, or pull Wagner back ..."

Relief sought in Mets' Wagner

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August 22

Boston Globe

"With just one lefthander in their bullpen - Hideki Okajima - and their relief corps still weakened by the trade of Justin Masterson, the Red Sox were awarded a waiver claim on Mets lefty Billy Wagner, according to a major league source. Wagner was placed on waivers Wednesday, the day before he made his first major league appearance in almost a year after having Tommy John surgery. According to a major league source, the Sox have been monitoring Wagner and scouted him Thursday night against the Braves, when he worked a perfect inning with two strikeouts. He hit 96 miles per hour on the radar gun. The Mets can either work out a trade with the Sox, allow Wagner to leave without getting ..."

Billy Wagner claimed on waivers

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August 22

Boston Herald

"The Red Sox bullpen has been a strength all season, and it's possibly about to get a lot better. The Sox have claimed former All-Star closer Billy Wagner on waivers from the Mets and have until Tuesday to work out a deal for the left-handed fireballer, according to a source. The 38-year-old Wagner, who has 385 career saves, just returned from Tommy John surgery after nearly a year on the sidelines. He hit 96 mph in his first appearance on Thursday night, striking out two during a perfect eighth inning against the Braves. The Red Sox have until 1 p.m. on Tuesday to work out a trade for Wagner. The Mets could also pull him back off waivers, or let him go in a straight salary dump - as the ..."

A Phillie again? Wagner says no

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August 22

Camden Courier-Post

"Eleven months removed from elbow surgery and one day after making a successful return to the majors, New York Mets reliever Billy Wagner was claimed off waivers Friday by the Boston Red Sox. The Phillies didn't have any interest. But even if they did, Wagner said he wouldn't waive his full no-trade clause to return to the Phillies, even for the last month of the season. The Mets, who have fallen out of playoff contention, are trying to dump some of Wagner's remaining salary and obtain a prospect to add to their depleted farm system. "No," Wagner said of whether he'd ever consider a return to the Phillies, for whom he was the closer in 2004 and 2005. "That (stuff) was hard enough for two ..."

Mets' Wagner May Go to Boston

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August 22

New York Times

"Subplots are more captivating than the actual baseball played these days at Citi Field, where the focus Friday was on two returning players and one who may be on his way out. As Pedro Martinez was finishing discussing his first time back in Queens since he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, Gary Sheffield was at once obfuscating and clarifying the circumstances surrounding his one-day absence from the Mets' lineup. Across the clubhouse, Billy Wagner seemed resigned that a team other than the Mets would reap the rewards of his yearlong rehabilitation from elbow surgery. The day after touching 96 miles an hour in his first major league appearance since last Aug. 2, Wagner was claimed off ..."

Wagner's Return Can't Save Mets

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August 21

New York Post

"There hasn't been much drama or emotion in this lost Mets season, but Billy Wagner provided a host of both last night at Citi Field. Just 11 months removed from Tommy John surgery on his left elbow, the former All-Star closer continued his remarkable comeback with a perfect eighth inning in the Mets' 3-2 loss to the Braves. The Mets are showcasing the lefty in hopes of trading Wagner before Sept. 1, and contenders -- are you listening, Yankees? -- had to like what they saw in his return. After entering the game to a standing ovation from the announced crowd of 39,105 as "Enter Sandman" roared in the background, Wagner blew through the Braves with a fastball consistently in the mid-90s. "I ..."

Reports: Mets put former closer Billy Wagner on waivers

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August 20

New York Daily News

"When Billy Wagner drove his big pickup truck to the parking lot at Citi Field on Monday, the guards did not seem to recognize him. He had to talk his way in. After 11 months away from the team and the 38-year-old former Mets closer said that it felt a lot like getting traded in the middle of the season. It was a prescient comment considering that during Wednesday night's game, the Mets put the lefthander on waivers, according to reports. After an 11-month rehabilitation from left elbow surgery, the lefthander feels the pressure to prove himself to his teammates in the Mets clubhouse and to any potential new teams as the Mets try to move him before the Aug.31 waiver trade deadline. If a ..."

Wagner Returns

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August 18

New York Post

"Billy Wagner's remarkably fast comeback from Tommy John surgery on his left elbow continued yesterday when the veteran reliever returned to the Mets. Wagner won't be activated from the disabled list until at least Friday, but he was beaming at the prospect of coming back a month early from what is usually a 12-month -- and potentially career-ending -- injury. "I'm a competitor," Wagner said. "You want to compete, and you really don't like for somebody to tell you that your career's over. I want to go out on my own terms and finish up that way." Jerry Manuel didn't say what role Wagner will have once he returns, although he is expected to be a left-handed specialist in the sixth and ..."

No Set Date For Wagner's Return

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August 13

New York Post

"The only firm dates on Wagner's schedule were more rehab assignments yesterday and tomorrow in Florida, which would be the sixth and seventh such appearances since his comeback from Tommy John elbow surgery 11 months ago. Wagner pitched one scoreless inning last night in Port St. Lucie against the Astros for the Mets' Single-A Gulf Coast League team. "It's possible he could be back [in the majors soon], but it could be he continues on after these two [rehab appearances] if he feels like he needs more time," assistant general manager John Ricco said. Ricco, though, admitted that Wagner's return probably will be sooner rather than later. "He's obviously getting close because he's been out ..."

Billy Wagner's return set for Sunday

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August 12

New York Daily News

"Billy Wagner's return to the major leagues is targeted for Sunday against the Giants at Citi Field, the Daily News has learned. Wagner has tossed five scoreless innings against Single-A batters since beginning a rehab assignment. He is scheduled to pitch for St. Lucie Tuesday night, and again on Friday. Originally, team officials planned to have Wagner pitch back-to-back games in the minors to demonstrate his health before being activated, but that is no longer a concern. Wagner, 38, underwent Tommy John elbow surgery last Sept. 10. He is earning $10.5million this season. The club has an $8 million option for 2010 with a $1million buyout."

Could Wagner pitch for the Mets this year?

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August 8

MLB.com

"More than once, more than a thousand times, the thought of pitching in the big leagues again has flashed through the mind of Billy Wagner, and now that he has four more rehab appearances remaining until he is supposed to be fit for big league duty, the thought has morphed into full expectation. Holy Tommy John, Batman.The surgery that bears John's name, the procedure that has restored Wagner's future isn't even 11 months in the past, and somebody's would-be 2010 closer is throwing a baseball with customary force and defying likelihood a second time. But then, if Wagner could switch from throwing right-handed to throwing left-handed as a kid and develop a fastball that approached 100 miles ..."

Wags Stokes Reliever's Fire

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July 18

New York Post

"Brian Stokes doesn't like Billy Wagner giving a name -- specifically, Stokes' name -- to a nothing role in the Mets' bullpen. "He's nobody to me," an angry Stokes told The Post yesterday, his voice quivering as he spoke. Stokes was firing back at Wagner after Wagner told The Post earlier this week that he thinks the Mets will limit him to being "a Brian Stokes-type player [who] might pitch once a week" when -- or if -- he returns from Tommy John surgery. Stokes, a 29-year-old right-hander in his second season with the Mets, said he realizes he doesn't have the most prominent role in the bullpen. The former Tampa Bay Ray has appeared in just 34 games -- the fewest of any Mets reliever ..."

Mets Claim No Dis-Closer

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March 19

New York Post

"There seems to be a disagreement between Billy Wagner and GM Omar Minaya about why the rehabbing closer isn't in Mets camp. Wagner, who is recovering from Sept. 10 Tommy John surgery, told The Post last week that he's not attending spring training in Port St. Lucie because the team "told me not to come." But Minaya insisted that wasn't the case. The GM characterized Wagner's absence as "a mutual call," saying, "He had the option and he told me he'd rather stay at home. "He was not told not to come," Minaya said. Neither Wagner nor Minaya is upset about the situation Wagner doesn't particularly wish or need to be in spring training, and Minaya certainly didn't sound bothered that Wagner ..."

Wagner may have thrown last pitch as a Met

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September 13

Newsday

"With Billy Wagner home recovering from surgery, Scott Schoeneweis spoke for the injured closer Friday and reiterated the claim that his Mets' career is over. Schoeneweis, one of Wagner's closest friends on the team, came away convinced that Wagner is indeed finished at Shea after a post-op visit with him this week. "He has some inside information that he knows he's not going to be a Met anymore," Schoeneweis said. "It's not his choice. He doesn't want to come back if he can't be a closer and I totally understand that." When asked Friday about this "inside information," general manager Omar Minaya denied telling Wagner that he was through with the Mets. Minaya also figured he'd be ready ..."

Wagner: I've Played My Last Day As Met

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September 12

New York Post

"The competitor in Billy Wagner would love to say he'll return late next season and help the Mets win a championship. But Wagner isn't about to make a hollow guarantee. He knows he's done with the Mets. A day after Tommy John surgery to reconstruct his left elbow, Wagner chatted with The Post from his home in Greenwich, Conn., and spoke of his Mets career in the past tense. "I've played my last day as a Met, that's the way it goes," Wagner said. Wagner said he wasn't feeling much pain, to his elbow or the knee from which doctors extracted a tendon to help repair his elbow, and was comforted by hospital visits on Wednesday from Moises Alou and Scott Schoeneweis. The estimated 12-month ..."

Teary Closer Vows Return From Surgery

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September 10

New York Post

"Billy Wagner's thoughts always have been something of an open book, and yesterday the Mets closer became emotional while vowing that today's Tommy John surgery won't end his career. Asked how his 10-year-old son Will took the news, an overwhelmed Wagner could not hold back his tears. "Will, he was . . . he was upset. He's not ready . . ." Wagner said, stopping in mid-sentence and bowing his head. His face, shaded by his cap, glistened with tears before he looked up and finished "He's not ready for it to be over." Apparently, neither is Wagner. He insisted he'll return from the torn medial collateral ligament in his pitching elbow - if not by 2009, then in 2010, and if not for the Mets, ..."

For Mets, there's life after Wagner

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September 9

Bergen Record

columnist Bob Klapisch

"The Mets got their share of bad news today, a medical report that was as subtle as a fist to the face: Billy Wagner is gone, now and perhaps forever. Jerry Manuel will spend the next three weeks trying to hold off the Phillies without a bona fide closer and his only reliever with blow-away velocity. As unnerving as it sounds, however, the Mets still have several key factors working in their favor. The first is an easy stretch between here and the playoffs, particularly with six games against the Nationals, whom the Mets have beaten eight of 12 times this season (including a three-game sweep in August during which the Nats were outscored, 25-6). The flip side is that Phillies figure to be ..."

Elbow Surgery May Finish Off Closer's Career

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September 9

New York Post

"Bye-bye, Billy. Those words weren't explicitly uttered by general manager Omar Minaya yesterday, but it's almost a sure bet that Billy Wagner has thrown his last pitch in a Mets uniform. Tests performed on the colorful closer's left elbow yesterday revealed a torn flexor pronator and torn medial collateral ligament. In layman's terms, Wagner needs Tommy John surgery, with a recovery time of at least 12 months. He's scheduled to have the surgery later this week. The diagnosis came a day after Wagner cut short a simulated game at Shea Stadium, walking off the mound and pointing to his left forearm. Wagner last pitched for the Mets on Aug. 2, three days before he was placed on the disabled ..."

Wagner to have surgery -- out for year

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September 8

Newsday

"The Mets learned today that Billy Wagner has a torn MCL in his left elbow and will need season-ending surgery that could impact 2009 as well, a person familiar with the situation said. In what figured to be his last obstacle, Wagner cut short a simulated game on Sunday and left Shea without speaking to reporters. He had an MRI this morning that reveled the extent of his injury. Wagner, who turned 37 in July, has one season left on his four-year, $43-million contract and the Mets hold an $8-million option for 2010. Wagner has been on the disabled list since Aug. 3, and after some trial-and-error, the Mets have turned over the closer’s duties to Luis Ayala, who is 5-for-6 in save ..."

Another Setback For Wags; Season In Doubt

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September 8

New York Post

"Billy Wagner's simulated game yesterday only rated as successful if he were trying to simulate the pain that sent him to the DL five weeks ago. After throwing 13 pitches between games of yesterday's doubleheader against the Phillies, the Mets closer departed the mound pointing to his left forearm. The Mets had hoped Wagner would return to action this week, but are now skeptical he'll pitch again this season. "It's somewhat bittersweet," interim manager Jerry Manuel said after the Mets beat the Phillies 6-3 last night to salvage a split. "Bitter in the sense that we lost Billy Wagner probably for the remainder of the year." Wagner told The Post during last night's game that he hasn't ..."

Billy Wagner's year looks done

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September 8

New York Daily News

"The Mets avoided coughing up their lead in the NL East, but their championship aspirations took a sizable hit when Jerry Manuel revealed after Sunday night's 6-3 nightcap victory over the Phillies that All-Star closer Billy Wagner is "probably" done for 2008. Between games of the doubleheader split, Wagner cut short a simulated game after 13 pitches because of what GM Omar Minaya called "discomfort" in his left elbow. Wagner, who initially went on the disabled list Aug. 3 with a strained forearm, won't officially know his status until he consults with team doctors again Monday in Manhattan. "Obviously, (the day was) bitter and sweet. Bitter in the sense that we lose Billy Wagner, probably ..."

Ailing Wagner May Not Return

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September 8

New York Times

"The Mets are bracing for the possibility that closer Billy Wagner will not return this season after he cut short a simulated game Sunday evening because of discomfort in his left elbow. Before reaching his scheduled allotment of 15 to 20 pitches, Wagner hit Gustavo Molina in the foot and walked off the mound, shaking his head. "That's it, I can't do it anymore," he said. It was Wagner's first time facing hitters since Aug. 16, when he also felt tenderness that hindered his progress. General Manager Omar Minaya would not call Sunday's outing a setback, but Wagner was distraught enough that he did not speak to reporters. Minaya said Wagner would be examined by team doctors on Monday. ..."

Mets' Wagner nearing return, but he won't close

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September 7

Newsday

"Billy Wagner could return from the disabled list as early as Tuesday. But without an opportunity to pitch for Class A Brooklyn, it appears he may have to wait even longer to get his old job back. The Cyclones had their season finale rained out Saturday by Tropical Storm Hanna, and Brooklyn already had been eliminated from playoff contention Friday night, so that wiped out any chance of a minor-league rehab game for Wagner. Now it's looking like a simulated game is next. Manager Jerry Manuel said Friday that Wagner would need an inning at Brooklyn to be immediately reinstated as closer. Otherwise, Wagner is likely to be used somewhere in middle relief until Manuel can be sure he is ready ..."

Wagner 'Encouraged' After Workout

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September 7

New York Post

"The ominous weather forecast couldn't keep Billy Wagner away from Shea Stadium yesterday. In another step forward, Wagner made throws on flat ground, a day after a 32-pitch bullpen session, and was encouraged with his results. "Today was a real good bounce-back day," Wagner said outside an empty Mets clubhouse. "I'm able to go out there and throw. It's not going to be comfortable, but I'm able to go out there and throw and compete, and that's really what we're going for." Wagner, who has been sidelined for a month with a strained left forearm, is champing at the bit for a return from the disabled list. He expects to have a better idea today about the Mets' plans for him. As much as he ..."

Wags Nearer To Return; Might Not Close

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September 6

New York Post

"Billy Wagner is closing in on a return to the Mets, but not necessarily as their closer. Manager Jerry Manuel made that clear yesterday, saying how Wagner performs in a possible minor-league rehab assignment tomorrow in Brooklyn, or in his first few big-league appearances next week, will determine his role. "Nobody is guaranteed nothing here," Manuel said. "If that [first] performance is what we hope it to be, sure, he'll come back and do what he's been doing. But if there are any signs of shakiness, then I'll have to make a decision. Whatever it takes to win the game, that's what we'll do." Wagner has been on the disabled list since Aug. 3 with a strained left forearm and swelling in his ..."

Relief! Wags Pain-Free

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September 4

New York Post

"The Mets said they got good news on the Billy Wagner front yesterday when their veteran closer threw 20 pitches without incident off the mound at Shea Stadium. Wagner, sidelined since early August by a swollen left elbow and strained left forearm, plans another bullpen session of about the same number of pitches tomorrow. He then is expected to make a minor-league rehab appearance Saturday or Sunday with Class-A Brooklyn. If Wagner continues to pitch without pain, he could rejoin the Mets in the next two weeks. "This is encouraging because he felt very strong and very good," said Tony Bernazard, the Mets' VP of player development."

Mets get good news on Wagner

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September 2

The Journal News

"Luis Ayala, who nearly blew a three-run lead Friday, earned save No. 4 in the Mets' 4-2 win over the Brewers yesterday, working a perfect ninth inning. With uncertainty and poor performances by the bullpen still undermining their playoff push, the Mets received good news about Billy Wagner. Wagner, who remains on the shelf with elbow pain, threw 25 pitches off the mound at Shea Stadium yesterday. If he doesn't feel anything unusual today, the Mets' closer may pitch for Brooklyn in a minor-league game later this week. "It's encouraging news," vice president of player development Tony Bernazard said. "Let's see how he feels tomorrow." Pedro sent back to New York: The Mets said Pedro Martinez ..."