It has been a very tumultuous topsy-turvy ride for Billy Wagner in Queens. He has been marvelous at times and a choker at times. He has coughed up some big save opps and has had at least 27 saves and an ERA at or below 2.63 each year as a Met.
With K-rod in the mix, the Mets are looking to get rid of Wagner as he returns this week. They have allegedly put him on waivers with the goal of trading him. Could the Yankees claim him off waivers?
8 million for a great set-up man is certainly not a terrible price for the Yankees. He obviously needs to show he can still throw hard, but his showcase over the next couple of weeks may be a good indicator.
Tommy John used to be a career killer. More recently, it has just been a bump in the road and that could be the case with Wagner. There is some doubt as to that because Wagner is a small guy who throws very hard. He needs perfect mechanics for the machine to work and Tommy John could throw that out of whack. In other words, he has less wiggle room than others.
Wagner is getting up there (38) and will likely get a 3 or 4 million a year contract for 2 years after this contract is over. I see a team like the Rays or Rangers signing him. A midmarket team that is on the up-and-up.
Yaros
Not clear what Wagner's prorated salary is for 09 and if a claiming team is responsible for his salary beyond 09. If the amt is high, Wagner is too risky at this point for any team - even the NYY - to assume an inflated salary.
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