Wagner Not Expecting Mets Return

Don't we always hear this type of thing about a player right when they go down and they are feeling frustrated and overwhelmed after a surgery where a long, hard working rehabilitation process is out in front of them? I love Wagner, he has thick skin, and he the most standup guy I have seen on the Mets since I have been watching them. When he blows a save, he comes right out and tells the media, hey, I fuc**ing sucked. Will K-rod be able to handle NY? Will it bother him to get boo'd unmercifully after the first save he blows? Will he be able to handle 30 reporters in his face after the game wondering what happened? I know Wagner can do those things. Met fans always complain about Wagner and his heart attach saves, well, I can recall a lot of times this year where Frankie got into big, big trouble before getting out of it, something Wagner was always criticized for.

I really think that a one year 7 million dollar deal wouldn't be a bad investment at all. Even if he's not as dominant, how many lefty relievers are as good as wags out there. They have over a year to make that decision, but whatever they do to address the closer situation this winter, he would be a great option to have in the pen.

They'll get to watch his entire rehab process...that should give them an idea of where he'll be. It looks early on like a very weak free agent class following next season, and finding relievers who will sign a 0ne year deal at any price is becoming increasingly difficult. I don't think there is too much risk at all for a large market team like the mets to go after him. I still think it's a much wiser deal than 3 years at 3.5 mill for the show(who's 3.5 comes off the books in time for this). One year at 7 million is pretty risk free for them, espescially with a good crop of relief arms in the minors who should be ready then.

"The Mets should give it some thought, though."

I disagree. Wagner has always relied on his fastball to be successful. I doubt he will ever throw 96-97 again. He's tried and failed at throwing more off-speed stuff. He experimented with a change in 07 and quickly abandoned it. He tried a curveball and used it once or twice this season. His days as a quality relief arm are likely over.

I'm a Met fan and have become tired of the team bringing in these 35+ players and relying on them. El Duque, Alou, Valentin, etc. Going a year without a closer and then bringing back Wagner would be more of the same. If you can get K-Rod or Fuentes, you do it. You can't let something like a possible return from Wagner in 2010 prevent you from doing that. Never rely on an injured arm, especially one that will be 38.

"I doubt he will ever throw 96-97 again."

One has to remember that pitchers who have Tommy John surgery often see their velocity return to pre-injury levels after 16-18 months (or about 4-6 months after returning to action).

K-Rod a Met after the season.

Why is his age relevant when we are talking about picking up a one year option after he proves that he can still pitch?

"Why is his age relevant when we are talking about picking up a one year option after he proves that he can still pitch?"

Because you shouldn't rely on a guy who is 39 years old 1 year off TJ surgery. He won't be worth $7M. Buy him out and try to bring him back for $1-3M if you really want him back.

I don't think anyone is advocating bringing Wagner back without a thorough evaluation.

My point, and I believe the point that others have made, is why make the announcement now? If he doesn't come back and perform at a level you want then let him go. If he does come back and performs great then you exercise the option. Since the team controls the option there is no advantage to laying their cards on the table a full year before they have to when they have absolutely no clue as to how successful his recovery will be.

Even if he is 80-90% of what he can do today Wagner would be a solid add to the bullpen at 1 year and $7m. I think the Mets should move on and find a new closer for 09 and beyond. But I would certainly still leave the option available to have him come in and set-up IF he recovers and can contribute.

For a pitcher that is pretty reliant on velocity, I have to think that declining the option is the right move.

Even if he does regain all of his velocity from the Tommy John surgery itself, why are we not supposed to think that he's not going to lose more velocity anyways going from Age 37 to Age 39. He's already down to about 95 mph from the years where he used to touch 100.

A healthy Wagner might be worth 7 million, but you're assuming a 39 year old pitcher coming off of major surgery will be able to justify that contract. I would rather decline the injury and hope to bring him back on an incentive based deal, although not to be the closer anymore.

Also, lets not discount the fact that the guy is a pain in the ass off the field. I'm sure that has factored into the decision, although I'm sure the Mets would never admit to that.