Papelbon not sold on Wagner?

[Kingdom]

Jonathan Papelbon lukewarm on possible Billy Wagner deal - ESPN


After last season, I don't think anyone would be excited about Billy Wagner. But with Brad Penny still pitching, you need pen depth as to avoid Enrique Gonzalez call ups the next day.

[Providence A's]

I don't get it. Epstein is trying to improve the team with a reliever that has a proven track record. Yea, he could get similar results as Gagne did when they got him, but it may be worth a shot. Del Carmen and Papelbon are complaining about trying to improve the team. They act as if it's personal or something. The Saux have the money to take a risk to help them get the Wild Card.

[cjkalt]

He's also a Type A FA at the end of the season if you don't wanna pick up the option according to MLBTR

[Providence A's]

I didn't think you would get comp if you declined the option as he's not really a FA-to-be.

Regardless, more drama

Jon Heyman (SI_JonHeyman) on Twitter

[General]

It'd be really interesting for him to go to Boston now.

[ljshorty89]

I didn't think you would get comp if you declined the option as he's not really a FA-to-be.

Regardless, more drama

Jon Heyman (SI_JonHeyman) on Twitter

All you do is turn down the option, then offer him arby. No way he accepts arby, because he wants to be a closer. Then you get your draft picks.

[Kingdom]

Aside from maybe a bad team, where's he going to close though? Would the marlins consider it or just stick with Nunez and Lindstrom?

[ljshorty89]

Aside from maybe a bad team, where's he going to close though? Would the marlins consider it or just stick with Nunez and Lindstrom?

Rumors I've heard include Marlins, Nationals, Rays, Cubs(if they don't wanna let Marmol close), and I think I heard the Giants mentioned once...

[NYgiantsfan5689]

He could close for the Cubs. Gregg blows nuts. And games.

[missionhockey21]

How did Wagner look today? I heard he hit 94 mph (Jon Heyman reported 95.) I haven't yet looked at the pitch f/x. With a few weeks to work the rust off, could Wagner be an impact for a team hoping to play in late October?

Supposedly both sides, Red Sox and Mets, want to make the deal and it will likely come down to Wagner.

[ljshorty89]

How did Wagner look today? I heard he hit 94 mph (Jon Heyman reported 95.) I haven't yet looked at the pitch f/x. With a few weeks to work the rust off, could Wagner be an impact for a team hoping to play in late October?

Supposedly both sides, Red Sox and Mets, want to make the deal and it will likely come down to Wagner.

In 2 outings, he's looked pretty solid. Control wasn't excellent today, but in 2 IP, he has 0 hits, 1 BB, 4 K

[Providence A's]

B-Wag invoked his no-trade clause and according to this guy it was due to health concerns, not because the Red Sox were going to decline the option and offer him arby to get compensation...

Source: Wagner deal 'probably dead' - Extra Bases - Red Sox blog

According to the source, the primary concern for Wagner is his desire to protect his arm in a low-pressure situation during the final month of this season, putting him in position to secure a contract as a free agent over the winter. The player’s primary concern is coming to Boston and injuring his surgically repaired left elbow with free agency looming.

I can see that playing a factor, but I think the arby possibility was just as much a factor...not less as the writer states.

[ljshorty89]

Makes no sense. He'd be just as likely to injure his arm pitching no matter where he is. I think in reality, he didn't wanna risk having that option picked up.