Mets trade Wagner to Red Sox

[madinmaryland]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/08/25/wagner.redsox/index.html

The Mets have traded Billy Wagner to the Red Sox, SI.com has learned.

The Mets receive two players to be named later in the trade. Boston agreed to cover the $2 million-plus left on Wagner's contract.

The Red Sox had claimed Wagner off waivers last week. Wagner had initially intended not to waive his no-trade clause, according to people close to him, but the Mets made a last-ditch effort and convinced the fireballing lefty to accept the trade before Tuesday's 1:30 p.m. deadline.

The deal came together when the Mets agreed to let Wagner's representative hash it out with Red Sox people. Wagner has indicated that he wants to close games next season, so he asked the Red Sox to make a few compromises. The 38-year-old wanted the Red Sox to guarantee they wouldn't exercise his $8 million option for 2010 and also would not offer him arbitration. (When ranked free-agent players decline arbitration, the signing team must surrender draft choices, which can diminish that player's value.) The Red Sox agreed to not exercise the 2010 option, but they retained the right to offer him arbitration.

Still not a year removed from Tommy John surgery, Wagner has expressed concern about his health to confidants, and particularly his ability to pitch on back-to-back days in an interview with SI.com on Sunday. Though the Red Sox are known for treating pitchers gently, Wagner seemed to feel it would be easier for the Mets to be delicate since they are not in the race. But his view on that subject apparently changed.

..snip

Hmmm.

[MaineDem]

1. Papelbon isn't happy

He said the other day that the Sox don't need Wagner.

[joeybee12]

2. This kept going back and forth this morning...

...I think they need someone...giving up runs late has really hurt them...the bullpen has been fading.

[MaineDem]

3. The starters haven't been too great either. n/t

[joeybee12]

5. But before the starters nose-dived, they pen went first, losing 2 games for

Lester, one for Josh...and lest we forget the 11-10 baltimore fiasco. I think the starters will be ok once Wakefield is back, Josh is just having a bad patch and will rebound, but the bullpen still needs shoring up.

[madinmaryland]

4. Interesting response from Wagner to Pabelbon...

"Wagner, who responded by acting surprised and slightly put off by Papelbon's remarks. "I don't have anything to say about somebody like that," Wagner said. "When he walks in my shoes, then I'll say something. Let him be 38 and have Tommy John surgery and come back."

Hmmm. Sounds like some friction to me.

[joeybee12]

6. Well, you know how it is when your team's in competition and...

...oh wait, you DON'T know!

[madinmaryland]

7. Wise guy!

[joeybee12]

8. Hey, where's the "America's Beloved Team is losing to the Black Sux" thread? n/t

[madinmaryland]

9. Eastern New England's Beloved team does not play until this evening.

Wonder if we will see this...

[joeybee12]

10. Get a head start! Things turn out great when you gloat! n/t