Mets expected to sign Wagner

[missionhockey21]

11/22/2005 1:17 PM ET
Mets give Wagner taste of Big Apple
Free agent closer expected to go home with contract offer
By Marty Noble / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- Dinner and a move is what the Mets have in mind. They're halfway there, but the more critical half remains undone. When their two-day courtship of Billy Wagner ends Tuesday afternoon, they will have wined and dined, but, in all likelihood, not signed the free agent closer, the primary target in their planned, offsesason personnel overhaul.

Chances are Wagner, his wife Sarah and his agent Bean Stringfellow will have a Mets offer in hand when they leave New York to return home. The offer will be for at least three years with, perhaps, provisions for a fourth.

In addition to what is sure to be an impressive pecuniary sum, other factors seem to be in a position to weigh in: the Wagners' impressions of life as a Met and as residents of the greater New York area -- and, of course, the Phillies' pursuit of the veteran reliever will determine whether the Mets will, for the second straight year, lure the market's highest-profile figure and whether their bullpen will be among the best in the National League in 2006.

At a press conference from Shea Stadium on Tuesday, Wagner indicated that he and his family could be comfortable living in the New York area.

Afterward, during a separate meeting with the media, Mets GM Omar Minaya did not mention Wagner specifically when he said that sometimes teams "go the extra mile in terms of pursuing a player," but the implication was that the Mets were prepared to do just that to land Wagner.

A quick resolution would serve the Mets well either way. If Wagner chooses to accept their offer, they will celebrate and quickly move on to pursue the catcher and run producer they need. If Wagner chooses to re-sign with the Phillies, the Mets will turn immediately toward their alternate free agent choices B.J. Ryan (who emerged as an effective closer with the Orioles last season), and/or the Padres' Trevor Hoffman.

The Mets woud prefer the former scenario.

There was no indication when a decision would be forthcoming from Wagner, or if the Phillies would upgrade their offer. Wagner was to be at Shea Stadium late Tuesday morning.

Having visited Wagner in his Virginia home two weeks ago, the Mets took their second run at him Monday, spending much of the day with him and his wife. Lunch in Greenwich, Conn., with COO Jeff Wilpon, general manager Omar Minaya, assistant GM Tony Bernazard and pitcher Tom Glavine was followed by house-hunting in the quieter, more elegant areas surrounding the city. Later, the plan was for owner Fred Wilpon and manager Willie Randolph to join them for a midtown dinner while Sarah Wagner took in "The Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway.

The city and all it can provide proved to be the Mets' ally when they pursued Glavine as a free agent after the 2002 season, and the suburbs helped persuade Glavine as well. And Glavine, a veteran of considerable stature in the game, can be persuasive too.

The Mets prospectus is another issue for Wagner, who by changing teams could push the Mets ahead of the Phillies in the NL East standings for late November. The Phillies' roster has more established players than that of the Mets. But the Mets can tip the balance in their favor and possibly put themselves on equal footing with the perennial division-champion Braves if they acquire Wagner, as well as a veteran catcher and a run producer they need.

The possible liquidation of the Marlins will serve the Mets well if it allows them to import first baseman Carlos Delgado or catcher Paul Lo Duca or if it merely makes the Marlins more beatable on the field. The pool of catchers available to the Mets shrunk by one Monday when Kenji Johjima, an All-Star in Japan, signed with the Mariners. Free agents Bengie Molina (Angels) and Ramon Hernandez (Padres) still are available. And the Mets met with each. Lo Duca's star doesn't appear to be as bright as either of theirs.

Marty Noble is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Article Link

[General]

The NY papers have dressed Wagner in Met uniforms already...

I won't mind this signing...Wagner'll go from one NL East foe to the other.

[missionhockey21]

If the Mets overpay (which they will likely do), BJ Ryan could be a pretty happy guy.

[General]

Mets...overpay? You don't say!


Besides, BJ Ryan will be a happy guy no matter what happens.

[missionhockey21]

Of course, but more money, more happiness. That's what money can buy, no?

But if Wagner get's four years.... ah who I am kidding, I wouldn't be surprised. It's just Minaya being himself.

[General]

Wagner could get five years and I won't be surprised.


Remember, these are the same Mets who signed Mo Vaughn.

[love_that_reefer]

Phillies are still close to his heart. Billy will take more offers I hope.