The Billy Blog

MetsBlog writes:

Last night, Billy Wagner threw 14 pitches, nine for strikes, and set down the middle of the Braves lineup in order, while hitting 95 mph on the radar gun.

Following the game, Wagner told reporters:

“To know that I was pretty much written off, that I wasn’t going to be able to make it back, and to be able to get back quick, it was very enjoyable… I didn’t want to go out there and be wild. Once I got the first out that was a big relief.”

Eli From Brooklyn and Others: The entire stadium (or at least myself) got the chills when the beginning of Enter Sandman started to blare through the ballpark… it was bittersweet, reminding us of better days at Shea Stadium… the best part, though, is that they played it again when he walked off the field, knowing it could be the final time we see him in a Mets uniform…

…the buzz around Citi Field suggests it will be just a matter of time before wagner is traded… and good for him… last year at this time he was in tears, embarrassed, and worried he might never throw another pitch again…

…he’s worked hard to get back, he’s clearly healthy and some hope he can go someplace to get a ring… in fact, wherever he ends up is probably the team some will end up pulling for in the post season…

Jayson Stark of ESPN.com believes the Rays and Marlins have interest in acquiring Wagner. However, he says, if the Mets want to get a decent prospect in return, they will likely need to pay most of the $3.5 million left on his contract.

…we have no idea what to expect from the Mets, and especially Omar Minaya, when it comes to making this sort of deal… i mean, when was the last time the Mets had a quality veteran to trade… seriously, when was the last time
they were in this situation… usually, they just wait it out
and let people leave as a free agent…