Billy Wagner

Winning is a risky business. It's much easier to lose.

But the Atlanta Braves are determined to win in 2010. Not 2011. Not 2012. In 2010.

The problem is Atlanta can't simply hope for the best in 2010. The Yankees can hope for the best. The Phillies can hope for the best.

Those clubs have the answers. There might be a few additions and subtractions here and there, but the gist of a winning franchise is already in place.

BY MICHAEL GANCI
EDITOR

When Billy Wagner returned from injury last season, I didn’t think the Mets were going to have much use for him. I was actually at Citi Field when he made his return, and the crowd was clearly excited to see him.

He returned with a vengeance, and he pitched so well that the Mets were able to trade him for two players to be named later.

With Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez's departures nearly a given in Atlanta, the Braves have to look towards the Free Agent market for their closer.

(Well, they don't have to, but who is going to trade away a legitimate closer this offseason?)

Names that jump out include Brandon Lyon, Fernando Rodney, and Jose Valverde.

But combinations of ability and contractual issues make these guys relatively poor fits.

One name that has been established through various media outlets for the Braves, though, is Billy Wagner.

The agent for relief pitcher Billy Wagner is reporting that his client may reverse his previous position and accept arbitration from the Red Sox, if offered.

This new stance represents a change of heart for the 38-year-old Wagner, who is just 15 saves from 400 career saves.

He waived his no-trade clause to accept a trade to the Red Sox prior to the trade deadline. In exchange the ball club promised they wouldn’t pick up his $8 million option for 2010—so he could pursue free agency this winter.

In-tan-gi-ble (adj.)-

                            1. Incapable of being perceived by the senses

                            2. Incapable of being realized or defined

It remains a heated debate. If Billy Wagner had stayed healthy in 2008, are the Mets the team winning the division, winning the World Series, and spending the next four months bashing their division rivals?

While it is all speculation and hypothetical, there is valid evidence to support that had Billy Wagner kept his arm intact, the Mets would have proceeded to win the NL East. That aspect of the question remains plausible.

Billy Wagner took his first step towards returning to the Major Leagues today by completing a 23-pitch bullpen session today in Port St. Lucie under the watchful eye of Guy Conti.

Conti, formerly the Mets bullpen coach-turned rehab coordinator, said Wagner was in “tremendous shape."

It is unknown when Wagner’s next bullpen session will be. However, Conti suggested that it would be contingent on how Wagner’s arm feels after throwing from a mound today.

Billy Wagner is working hard in Port St Lucie Florida getting ready to become activated on the Mets roster in either late July or early August after having Tommy John elbow surgery last season.  Wagner was originally not anticipated to be activated until at least late August.

The Mets' bullpen woes, especially the lack of a reliable closer last year, prompted Omar Minaya to acquire both a closer in K-Rod and a set up man in JJ Putz.  The Mets had 29 blown saves in 2008, which were pivotal in making sure that they did not reach the postseason.