Looks like the Braves struck quickly and did not care that Wagner was a Type A FA and they will lose their 1st pick.   This from MLBTR: “The Braves have agreed to sign Billy Wagner, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The deal is worth $7MM and includes a $6.5MM option for 2011 that vests if Wagner finishes 50 games.”
Let the Omar bashing begin. I still think it was the best move for the Mets to let Wagner go. They saved money and got a couple of guys with potential. One that could fill a cheap bench spot this season and one that could develop in the future. The real gamble they avoided was offering Wagner arbitration and possibly being on the hook for 12 million. Turns out now that it did not matter but perhaps with it being the Mets and an extra 5 million it would have. I am not a Billy fan so I hope he is retired by July.
4 comments
trs86
12/2/2009-8:01am at 8:01 am (UTC -4)
Also it appears they did not offer LaRoche arbitration. Guys I would now jump on LaRoche. Yes it may take 3 years and Davis plays 1B. Can we cross that bridge when we get there? Davis is rumored to be a fine 1B but he can play left if he pushes his way before LaRoche is gone. Not like we could not trade LaRoche later for pitching if that happen.
darknova306
12/2/2009-8:10am at 8:10 am (UTC -4)
I’m a huge fan of bashing Omar, but I see no reason to here. I wanted nothing to do with an arbitration gamble with Wagner. Now the Braves give up a 1st rounder to have Wagner blow big games for THEM. Sweet.
trs86
12/2/2009-8:14am at 8:14 am (UTC -4)
Agreed, although I think for some reason Wagner will come in and have a great season. That part does not bother me though. It’s not like we could use him.
What I don’t get is how short-sighted so many fans are that they jump quickly to bash Omar on this when they don’t know anything about Carter nor do they understand how likely it was AT THE TIME that Wagner would accept arbitration. There is a big difference in 12.6 million and 7 million.
whataputz
12/2/2009-9:40am at 9:40 am (UTC -4)
Everyone wins here. The Mets get to play against him alot, the Braves lose alot of money (holy crap 7 million! why!)and a draft pick, and Wagner gets to live in an area where taxidermy is socially acceptable.