Billy Wagner in a Braves' Uniform
by gondeee on Dec 2, 2009 2:46 PM EST
in Free Agents
111 comments
The newest Atlanta Braves player and closer, Billy Wagner:
Here are some paraphrased quotes from the presser:
- Wagner was at the top of the off-season list of closers list for the Braves.
- In his first appearance back from TJ surgery, he threw against Atlanta, and was on the Braves' radar from that point.
- Wagner will enjoy playing closer to home.
- Wagner never felt any discomfort in his road back from TJ.
- First face-to-face discussion with Wagner and the Braves was last Tuesday.
- He's going to have to get with McLouth about getting #13. He told an interesting story about his grandfather and that number.
- He grew up loving Dale Murphy, and he grew up rooting for the Braves when they weren't that good.
- He feels the ball is jumping out of his hand again, like it hadn't done in many years.
0 recs |
111 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
Seems damn happy to be here.
By Gar, I’ll take it.
"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"
by The Keith Lockhart Era on Dec 2, 2009 2:47 PM EST reply actions
Now grab a dotel/Saito/Putz type and we should be fine in the BP….Next stop a big bat 1B/OF…Keep the good work up FW
I'm not sure I wanna play the Octavio Dotel game again...
"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"
by The Keith Lockhart Era on Dec 2, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
Cool symbols
but Infinity times Infinity is still Infinity, so it’s equal to mine.
End Mathematical Rant
lmao. I know. i was jk. Those symbols wer pretty BA
MATT DIAZ IS THE F**K*NG MAN.
They made me change my signature...
Saito sounds expensive...
how did Wag and Putz get along in NY? It’d be hilarious if we found success with their cast offs. Calero, Putz, Duchscherer, Hawkins, Escobar, Lyon, Mota, Mahay, Ohman, among others cause there are a LOT of bullpen arms out there, but I’d be looking for the cheap guys.
I like the low-risk, high reward that Duchscherer would provide.
He’d be lights out if we could keep him out of the doldrums…
"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"
by The Keith Lockhart Era on Dec 2, 2009 3:03 PM EST up reply actions
Not coming off of those operations…
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 2, 2009 3:25 PM EST up reply actions
I’m pretty sure I want them to go after Fernando Rodney
by Bmacbandwagon on Dec 2, 2009 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
plus, ...
his numbers outside of closing in the 9th aren’t as good leading doubts as to whether he’d be successful in a set up role.
That just baffles me. I am not denying that it happens, but how do people pitch differently based on which light on the scoreboard happens to be lit?
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 2, 2009 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
it primarily has to do with human factors and individual variability. they’re not programmed pitching machines, you know.
so with a 1 or 2 run lead in the 8th inning a guy could be a trainwreck, but in the 9th he is automatic?
I just can’t fathom that.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 2, 2009 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
as a closer, he wasn't usually in a set up role...
so those aren’t the situations. It’s generally a 6, 7, 8 run lead or deficit, after multiple days off, when closers are used outside of save situations.
"see, he's a man, he's not a machine"...
who knows why, but he does. It’s not like he’s alone in that either, as most closers tend to pitch better in save situations. Gonzo was one who seemed to pitch better with the extra adrenaline, Soriano as well, among others.
Or perhaps it’s because the typical “save situation” is easier than the typical high-leverage outing in a tie ballgame in the 7th, since a save situation comes with at least a 1- and often a 2- or 3-run lead. Also, premium 7th and 8th inning guys often face the heart of the order, since they’re expressly brought in to face those guys rather than the closer, who gets whoever is scheduled to bat in the ninth.
Or it could be because “proven closers” have balls of steel and are superhuman men who breathe fire and brimstone.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
Actually, his numbers as a closer weren't any different
Than his other numbers. His peripherals (K/9, BB/9, K/BB) and even his ERA and WHIP, were pretty close to his career numbers last year. In fact, his ERA, WHIP, H/9, HR/9, K/9, BB/9, and K/BB were also worse last year than his career averages. Yes, he was 37/38 converting saves. However, 7 of those saves were 3 run lead entering the ninth saves, and a whopping 19 of them were 2 run lead entering the 9th saves. Only 9 of his saves (and his one blown save) were 1 run lead entering the 9th saves. He also had two saves where he came on with two out in the bottom of the eighth, both time with two one; once with a three run lead, the other with a two run lead.
Guys, it ain’t mystical, and it certainly isn’t Rodney pitching better in the mystical ninth. It was just a bunch of saves, mostly in relatively easy save situations. Remember, Dan Kolb saved 39 in 2004. That didn’t make him any good.
Amen Bmacbandwagon we need another closer type arm to add to our pen just in case Wagner needs a game or two off .
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Dec 2, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
I was just about to type precisely that, although with respect to Mr. Sanchez, I hadn’t looked at all his splits
by Bmacbandwagon on Dec 2, 2009 4:54 PM EST up reply actions
Kieko Calero FTW!
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 2, 2009 4:55 PM EST up reply actions
reply fail above....
he may be a great option in the 8th, just saying he hasn’t generally performed as well outside of save situations (although as said above, closers pitching in non save situations generally means a blow out and much lower adrenaline), and there are so many options available out there I think others would be less expensive and just as good.
NO MORE F/A RELIEVERS!
Relievers are so sketchy year to year, I’d rather take our chances with the Acostas/Valdezes/Other Younger AAA arms then popping off another 5 million on a reliever
suggesting Acosta will get you stoned in these parts
Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?
by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST
The good kind of stoned?
7/10/09-A New Dawn.
by !Vive la Francoeur! on Dec 2, 2009 8:34 PM EST up reply actions
Nothing wrong with more free agent relievers...
…as long as they are cheap types like Calero. Hell, as long as they are Calero. ;)
He might not be...
…but I am hoping with all the big names out there, he slips through the cracks. If he isn’t cheap, I am not for signing him. I am just hopeful. If he signs elsewhere for $4 million plus, obviously, it was never possible.
There’s no such thing as chances with Acosta. It’s pretty much a sure thing he’s gonna suck.
"Sometimes I wonder what'd it be like to be outside and not hear the birds chirping...I think it'd be kind of nice."
by alligatorimpersonator on Dec 4, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
Pretty weird that they have him up there with that jersey when it’s got another guy’s number on it. I mean, McLouth has had that number at every level of his professional career, Wagner’s gonna have to buy him a car or something to get it.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
This
Unless they talked to Nate already.
If Albert played in the AFL, they’d have to rename it the AZ/NM Fall League, based on where his homers landed.
didnt you hear?
we’re trading McLouth and a PTBNL for Konerko
by drumzalicious on Dec 3, 2009 2:56 AM EST up reply actions
Go Frank! Go Bobby! Go Billy!
Somebody around here is more anal than the mom on 7th heaven. Freakin' A. lol
(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Dec 2, 2009 4:33 PM EST reply actions
Idea for Wagner
Clinton Portis promised to pay Ifeanyi Ohalete $20,000 to wear #26, then he got the number and never paid him, I think they actually went to court.
Here are Pujols's stats: 1.000/1.000/4.000/5.000. That's right. He is batting a thousand, with a thousand OBP (naturally), and every hit has been a home run, and thus his OPS is a perfect 5.000.
“Got at least 5 good years left in me.”
by Smoltz's Beard on Dec 3, 2009 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
Like the Signing if wagner can hold up.
As power pitchers age and recover from injuries then need more and more time off and for the reason we need to go out and sign a F. Rodney type guy to serve as our closer when Wagner needs time off. What is the rumor that the ball is flying out of his hands like it hasn’t in years which is great to here.
No doubt Wagner is good signing and a class act but can his arm hold up only time will tell but for 7 million with a vesting opition we can afford that, plus I really believe that Wagner has always wanted to be a Brave his whole career. Remember when he signed with the Mets and he called the Braves just to see how much they were willing to spend.
No question when Wagner is on their is nobody better at being a dominant closer.
Go Braves “Do it for Bobby in 2010”
by Holty_Panthers_Fan on Dec 2, 2009 4:57 PM EST reply actions
I don't understand why people keep suggesting Rodney
The guy can’t post an ERA under 4.30 to save his life, he walks too many guys, and he’ll be overpriced. Why not pay major league minimum for that same pitcher, and just pull him from AAA?
by FineHamAbounds on Dec 2, 2009 8:01 PM EST up reply actions
Keith Law has an article up on ESPN about BWag to Atlanta
but I’m not an insider so i can’t read it. Is anyone an insider who could summarize the article for me? It would be really appreciated
"Are you tryin to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?"
He doesn't like it
Says the price is too high for the risk, and he either won’t stay healthy, or the Braves will have to keep his workload down to get a full season out of him.
He does say, however, that if Wagner stays healthy and is fully recovered that it is a great deal for Atlanta.
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 2, 2009 5:56 PM EST up reply actions
Not really
If Wagner stays healthy for 2010, he’ll earn his $7 million and probably then some, maybe even enough to cover the lost value of the draft pick.
Not quite the same. He also said that is the absolute best case, and least likely, scenario.
by hoboken_wood on Dec 2, 2009 10:24 PM EST up reply actions
He pretty much agrees with what I have been saying.
:)
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 2, 2009 5:55 PM EST up reply actions
I'm not so sure about this.
I realize that he is one of the best closers ever, but he’s 38 and probably still isn’t 100% recovered from TJ surgery. I know he did well this year, but that was in limited action. Hopefully this will pan out.
If this wasn't a legit closer we were getting
Then I would be upset, but Wagner is arguably one of the best closers of all-time (especially from the left side). You also got to consider that $7 million for a premium closer is not really that high in today’s baseball world.
by SmithnCompany on Dec 2, 2009 6:38 PM EST up reply actions
True.
When he is healthy, he is a stud. But let’s hope he can stay healthy. At 38 and coming off TJ surgery, that’s no sure thing.
TJ surgery
is a very successful surgery. In fact, a lot of guys come back from TJ surgery and feel that they can actually throw harder than they did before. I think Wagner will recover fine, especially since he’s got the entire offseason to continue recovering.
"Sometimes I wonder what'd it be like to be outside and not hear the birds chirping...I think it'd be kind of nice."
by alligatorimpersonator on Dec 4, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions
Has there been a better lefty closer? Who’d even be in the conversation…Randy Myers?
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
GONZO, FTW!
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 2, 2009 11:56 PM EST up reply actions
I had to look up what ‘FTW’ means yesterday. Now that I know, I’ve come to the conclusion that typing it is like typing ’I’m a giant huge mega-nerd’.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
I only learned what it meant (for the win, right?) a few weeks ago…so am I just a semi mega nerd?
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 3, 2009 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
Do we really need to get started on you?
by Smoltz's Beard on Dec 3, 2009 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
So, are you like, back now?
"My team of nine guys who hit like Albert Pujols and never ever bunt just beat your team with one Shane Victorino 472 to 3."
by justincredubil02 on Dec 3, 2009 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
As good, not better. After all, Wagner is 6th in saves...
and should become top 5 within a month. John Franco is right there with him though.
Other lefties: Dave Righetti was solid but not as good. Billy McCool, just for the name? Jesse Orosco wasn’t as dominant, but damn if he didn’t last forever. Mitch Williams had some good seasons but nowhere near Wagner. Wags is almost certainly among the top 5 since saves began, with Ecks, Franco and Rivera.
Forgot about Franco. Yeah, I’d take Wagner ahead of any of those guys.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
he was healthy enough to pitch at the end of last year...
and pass his physical, and has until February to rest up and continue rehab/recover/general overall workouts. I don’t think his health will be a question mark, at least at the start.
Wagner has been arguably the second best closer this decade I’d say behind Mariano Rivera which is a given. You have to go all the way back to 2000 when he was with the Astros to see an ERA above 2.73, and it’s the only time in his career his ERA has finished above 3. In short, the guy has been absolutely dominant and the peripherals agree. Obviously his time with the Red Sox was extremely small sample size but he looked very good and though 7M is a decent sum of money, if he pitches up to his level of ability he’s certainly worth it.
Next step for the Braves is getting one of Kiko Calero, Kevin Gregg (if he isn’t going to get closer money), or a guy like Nick Massett in trade, preference being Calero. Then I’d let the market for Lowe and the hitters develops. If we add Calero in addition to Wagner, our bullpen could be downright unfair next year
by McCann's the Man on Dec 2, 2009 6:36 PM EST reply actions
Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Nathan would like a word with you …. well, at least you said arguably.
You aren’t the czar of typographic emphasis
I don’t think you can really put a case together for Nathan, he only came onto the scene in 03 and he’s been helped by an out of this world strand rate as of late. Definitely top 5 for this decade but his peripherals just don’t match Wagner and the actual results (ie ERA) come out close enough that you have to judge the other stuff in addition. About to take a look at Hoffman
by McCann's the Man on Dec 2, 2009 9:44 PM EST up reply actions
Hoffman just isn’t on par with Wagner as well, I don’t see how you can really make a logical case for either being better than Wags unless you’re going by who you like more, and that’s just a general you not you specifically. Wagner has been that good
by McCann's the Man on Dec 2, 2009 9:46 PM EST up reply actions
Wren definitely needs to acquire one more decent arm
And there’s so many plus arms, that I don’t see one costing no more than $3-4 million (tops). If he does that, then the only concern I’d have would be with the offense.
Nasty Nate agreed to give up #13 to BWag
According to DOB, BWag got number the number 13 from a badge his grandfather gave him when he worked in the coal mine.
BWag is also a natural righty. He broke his arm twice when he was between ages 6-9 and got tired of not being able to throw. He started throwing with his left arm and it’s stuck ever since.
It also sounds like he’ll be best friends with Chipper. He farms and hunts on his property all the time. If Roachy comes back, we might have a problem getting the guys to the games on time lol.
Sounds like a good deal to me.
"Are you tryin to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?"
Yes!
Somewhere/place Robby Dibble’s brow is furrowed …
Reporter: How will you address all of the dropped passes?
Mike Smith: I don’t think that we were as sharp as we have been catching the football. It’s something that is very fixable. It’s VERY fixable.
I like it.
Tigers love pepper; they hate cinnamon.
by Jareth Cutestory on Dec 2, 2009 7:11 PM EST reply actions
I like the signing
But: why does everyone assume he gets the closer’s role? Shouldn’t it be a battle between him and the Aussie? Doesn’t he deserve a shot at closing?
(Yunel is still the Queen of Hearts)
Moylan’s insane ability to produce groundouts as well as get a good number of K’s makes him an ideal 7th/8th inning guy where you can bring him in whenever a situation gets too close for comfort and requires a quick out. But as was said below me, it’s Billy Wagner if he’s healthy there’s really no one else I’d take over him that is available to us
by McCann's the Man on Dec 2, 2009 11:33 PM EST up reply actions
7 million
Pretty much makes him the closer
by UltimaParadox on Dec 3, 2009 12:17 AM EST up reply actions
um
Moylan vs Lefties
.309/.429/.415/.843
yea . . . .
about him closing games . . . . and in the NL East? No thank you
by drumzalicious on Dec 3, 2009 3:12 AM EST up reply actions
Am I
the only one that prefers Calero and Saito over Rodney?
nope, Calero is easily my favorite free agent out there right now followed by Mike Cameron if he comes on a 1 year commitment. Saito i’m not as sure about but I’d take him over Rodney anyday
by McCann's the Man on Dec 3, 2009 8:03 AM EST up reply actions
Nope.
I hope most people here would prefer either of those guys and don’t want us going anywhere near Fernando Rodney. I think Calero is the better target, however. I haven’t heard anything, but I would think someone would sign Saito to close.
I always think it’s so funny when people get fixated on acquiring a guy after he’s had a career year. Calero has had some very nice years in his career, but he missed most of 2008 then had to sign a minor league deal and earn a roster spot in 2009. He won a job and was amazing, but he’s going to be 35 next season coming off a year where he was much much better than he ever had been. Does anyone really think he’s going to repeat this kind of success?
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
I always think it’s so funny when people get fixated on acquiring a guy after he’s had a career year. Vasquez has had some very nice years in his career,but he missed most of 2008 then had to sign a minor league deal and earn a roster spot in 2009. He won a job andwas amazing, but he’s going to be 35 next season coming off a year where he was much much better than he ever had been. Does anyone really think he’s going to repeat this kind of success?
Just sayin’. I think a lot of people are going to be disappointed next year. Albeit for no good reason other than maybe that we should have made a trade when a player was at the peak of his value with little chance of returning to the previous year’s level of dominance.
You missed some lineouts there. Like how Vazquez is only 33 next season. Or how he had 11 quality years as a starter before we got him. Or how he consistently pitched over 200 innings in most of the years before we got him or how he was usually near the top of strikeouts in his league.
Comparing him to Calero just doesn’t work. In any sense.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
Why, because Vasquez has more seasons at a lower success rate than last year? That would seem more significant to me. Calero probably won’t get 200IP any time soon, you’re right, but outside of ‘08 he’s had a pretty decent workload as a reliever.
And, yeah. 33. That’s… better math.
Fuck it, I was just feeling salty anyway when I posted that and took it out on our buddy Javy (‘10 NL Cy Young hopefully… I’d love to be wrong).
My point was just that Javy had been around doing good if unspectacular work for a lot longer than Calero, is younger, and doesn’t have the injury history. Aside from the fact that they both played a bit over their heads last year (which for Javy is kind of arguable) there isn’t much similar between them. Particularly since starters tend to flame out less frequently than relievers.
I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it: https://www.createspace.com/3407939
www.dropoutproductions.com
Javy
I think Javy will be great again next year. He has always had ace potential and outstanding stuff, and I think last year, playing for Bobby, he finally just put it all together.
"Sometimes I wonder what'd it be like to be outside and not hear the birds chirping...I think it'd be kind of nice."
by alligatorimpersonator on Dec 4, 2009 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
I am not looking for Calero of 2009...
…I just want Calero at his career average numbers. They are phenomenal.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
