A story bound to pick up steam, should the Phils wheels come unglued even more, is the idea of dealing away closer Billy Wagner, who’s a free agent after the season.
Though his contributions have been largely overlooked, there’s a significant chance Wagner will be named to the All-Star game. He’s arguably the second-best closer in the National League behind Chad Cordero of Washington, based on his 18 saves, low 2.34 ERA and 0.98 WHIP.
Fans should be cheering on his selection no matter what, but I’m pulling for it a bit more because it will make him more attractive to potential buyers should the Phils enter sell mode.
You didn’t hear it here, but Wagner has been good, not great, in my opinion. I can't remember the last time he pitched in a high-pressure situation. Then again, outside the bubble of Philadelphia, few closers have been great and Wags is still one of the best, despite a slip in his velocity.
Trades rarely happen within the division, but teams that could use his services include Atlanta and Florida. I wouldn’t hesitate to trade Wags within the division because he’s hinted at retirement for two years.
However, we all remember what happened the last Atlanta-Philadelphia trade, and I doubt Ed Wade would cut his losses for prospects in his last gasp as GM.
I love this idea. Lately it seems that the Phils have been blowing people out or getting blown out. Wags has started to give up homers in the no-pressure situations, a fact that only suggests a small decline to me. And it would shake Cholly out of his "Urbina then Wagner" formula for closing out a game - ANY game, not just ones that we're winning. I wouldn't want to see him traded within the division only to get good again, but I'd deal with it if it shakes things up.
Posted by: Jeff | Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 01:27 PM
Isn't Wagner a free agent after this season? If so, he should be traded, but not within the division. My guess is the Yankees would love to have him. If he walks, I expect him to sign with a team as close to his VA home as possible.
Jason,his numbers look good, but they belie his less than stellar performances.
Posted by: Tom Goodman | Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 06:35 PM
Yup. He's a FA after the season, and you're right. He's been less than stellar, and his numbers have come in many low-pressure situations.
Posted by: J. Weitzel | Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 06:47 PM
don't the yanks need everything BUT a closer?
Posted by: gr | Thursday, June 30, 2005 at 12:35 AM
The Yankees need a lefty in the pen.
Posted by: Tom Goodman | Thursday, June 30, 2005 at 10:57 AM
but isn't the Yanks' farm system pretty barren? who would we want for Wagner from them?
Posted by: kuff6 | Thursday, June 30, 2005 at 11:04 AM
Well, now, I guess Mr. Wagner has altered the thinking on the entire topic with his latest pronouncements, eh?
Posted by: Tom Goodman | Friday, July 01, 2005 at 09:43 AM