In a report by Mark Hale of the New York Post, Billy Wagner is on a 10-day break but will head back to Port St. Lucie on Sunday to continue his rehabilitation from Tommy John Surgery.
Despite the recent struggles for the bullpen, Wagner doesn’t believe the club will give him a prominent role upon his return, telling Hale:
“I can’t see it. I think that would be foolhardy to even insinuate something like that. I think what I would be is a Brian Stokes-type player. I might pitch once a week. I can’t see ‘em doing that.”
…As much as I would like to see him return to form, I think that Wagner will need to prove to himself and the team that he can pitch back-to-back days while maintaining his velocity in order to be put back into a prominent role…but if he is effective and the team can find it’s way back into the race, I think the Mets will eventually be depending on him late…
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I can’t see him having any value on this team. Especially since this team is on the verge of being out of it.
Rehab him as quick as possible and try to make him look somewhat effective. and then trade him to a team like the Rays for a prospect
I would agree with this. I believe Wagner would be a Type A FA so there would be two draft picks lost (assuming anyone signs him) plus there is the option. Both may factor into the level of prospect received.
I read the whole article, and I think Wagner is simply saying the right things expected of a good teammate, level-setting for the fans, and also facing the reality that it may take a while for him to become successful again at the major-league level.
I’m sure if he comes back, has success early, and can go on back-to-back days, he’ll be getting some high-leverage assignments. Of course, that’s true of every reliever…..
In general, it seemed like a thrown-together article. One super-weird quote (hopefully out of context): “I’m not killing myself to get back for them,” he said. “I want to get back because [of] Fred Wilpon and that’s it.” I assume “them” meant his teammates (no references to fans or media in the article).
That is weird…I agree I think he’s trying to lower his own expectations for himself…but I think if and when he does return the competitive juices are going to flare up again. I hope.
Just lowering expectations. What should he say? “Hey, I can’t wait to be back and I’m gonna dominate the league and carry KROD on my back”
Wags, Putz and K-Rod, what a pen !!!
We could trade Putz and Wags for Halladay ?
I think Wagner is putting realistic expectations on himself after seeing how the Mets love to rush guys back from injury.
I do think he will have more value then Stokes. Even if he can’t go back to back days, having a guy come in 3 days a week with that velocity and movement is better then not having him. Plus if he can come back and prove to be effective, even if we miss the trade deadline, he might be the type of guy that gets through waivers due to age and injury that could allow for a big trade.
It’ll definitely be good to have Wagner back if this team can somehow stay in contention ’til he gets back.
why the heck is SNY going to show the pedro to the phils presser?!?!?
wow, i just read on bart hubbachs blog that fred wilpon lost 700 million dollars to madoff scheme…the mets are worth $912 mil…..i think that explains why the mets didnt get a dunn or really anyone except krod who they desperately needed and got relatively cheap…at least in terms of baseball contracts..
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