Dec 2, 2009

B-Wags returns

Billy Wagner isn't returning to the Red Sox, but to the NL East, where he will get at least $7 million over one year from the Braves.

Despite an excellent - albeit very small sample size - return from injury this year and statistical projections for a solid 2010, I can't believe B-Wags was able to secure such a decent offer. I was convinced that he wouldn't be able to get a deal like this and would reluctantly accept the Red Sox arbitration offer.

Oh well, we got a nice month out of the SoxandPhil and will get two draft picks in exchange for Chris Carter.

I'm sure the Red Sox aren't upset that Wagner signed elsewhere. As Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald notes:

It worked out well for both sides. While the Sox get their picks, Wagner gets a team he can close with. The 38-year-old has made it clear that he hopes to earn 40 more saves to pass John Franco as the all-time save leader among left-handed pitchers. He was sharp with the Sox in the 13 games in which he appeared, compiling a 1.98 ERA in a setup role. The performance, coming off Tommy John surgery, helped Wagner land the deal with the Braves.

I'm not so sure, however, that the Braves won't regret keeping Mike Gonzalez or Rafael Soriano instead.

Remind me: Next year, I'm not getting out of bed on Dec. 2.

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