"Billy Wagner had another All-Star year for the Philadelphia Phillies with a 1.51 ERA and 38 out of 41 save chances. The Atlanta Braves, Phillies, Mets and possibly Red Sox are in the mix for Wagner, but depending on whether they can re-sign Furcal, the Atlanta Braves will land Wagner. "
__________________
St. Louis Rams Owner
Season Record: Pre 3 - 1: Reg: 0 - 0
Yeah..just a college paper, I read this on the Braves forum somewhere..a guy said it was his college's local paper. Just a college students predictions like Short said, I don't think Wagner will land in A-Town..If you're looking for a closer, Todd Jones seems more likely considering hes cheaper, and has stated he'd like to pitch for Atlanta..
I head about Cameron, Bay and even Manny Ramirez...BUT NOT Wagner....Come on Rams, we been through some **** before, please please don't get on my hate list again, ok!
And plus...if we don't sign Furcal, what good will Wagner do anyway. He's a SAVIOR!!!!!!!! He closes games that are won already....please note that as a leaning experience!
--------------- Madden 2007 Next Gen football --------- PHILADELPHIA -- The latest installment in the bid to retain Billy Wagner featured the free agent's first face-to-face meeting with Pat Gillick.
And the Phillies' new general manager quickly realized what has been known for some time.
"I found Billy to be a candid, forthright guy," said Gillick, while driving from Virginia to Philadelphia. "We had a good discussion and exchanged some ideas. I was very impressed by him."
The ideas exchanged during the 2 1/2-hour meeting focused mostly on Gillick stressing Wagner's importance to his team's postseason aspirations. Those were the only details provided about the afternoon spent with Wagner, his wife, Sarah, and agent Bean Stringfellow.
"They made Billy feel as if he is their top priority," Stringfellow said. "They stressed that he was the guy they wanted to lock up before they did anything else, and Billy appreciated hearing that."
The Phillies made no new offer, though Gillick told Stringfellow that the Phillies would be in touch soon, most likely before the weekend. Should things continue to progress, another meeting might be scheduled.
"We'll continue the dialogue over the next few days," Gillick said. "As long as we're talking, there's always a chance. We'll be happy to discuss different issues."
Since a new proposal didn't arrive Wednesday, the Phillies are sticking to a previous proposal that was believed to have been for three guaranteed seasons and $29 million to $31 million, an upgrade from an earlier offer of three years and $24 million. Philadelphia is also thought to have made a two-year proposal in the neighborhood of $21 million.
Whether Gillick's proposal would be higher, lower or the same was unclear. Stringfellow wouldn't cite specifics of any offer, but said he would await word from Philadelphia.
"There's still some work that needs to be done, and there are still a lot of pieces to the puzzle," Stringfellow said. "The timeline will be when it's right."
Wagner's timeline still includes next week's two-day tour of New York City that will include some suburban neighborhoods in eastern Connecticut. He'll likely leave that trip with an offer from the Mets, thought to be Philadelphia's chief rival in the pursuit.
The Mets appear poised to overwhelm Wagner with an offer that could top out at four guaranteed seasons for as much as $43 million, but that is speculation at this point. More likely, the Mets' offer will be at three years and $30 million with a fourth-year option, according to a league source.
One published report said the Mets had already made such an offer. Stringfellow rebuffed that because he said an offer that preceded Wagner's visit was like putting the cart before the horse.
"If Billy and his family aren't comfortable [in New York], it doesn't matter what they offer," Stringfellow said.
Money doesn't appear to be an object for the cash-rich Mets, after shedding Mike Piazza's contract. They would save an additional $5 million if the outfielder swap with San Diego of Mike Cameron for Xavier Nady happens, and they have a new television network.
The Mets also have a recent track record of luring three significant free agents in the past few offseasons, outbidding the Phillies for Tom Glavine in 2002 and outbidding everybody for Pedro Martinez and Carlos Beltran last winter. The Red Sox, Cubs, White Sox and Tigers are also interested in Wagner.
A self-proclaimed "country boy who plays baseball," Wagner doesn't see a problem playing in Philadelphia or New York. He cites his family's comfort as a top factor in his decision. His wife and three children -- two of which would be changing schools -- plan to relocate to the city where he signs, and he has said that he would like the security of knowing where he'll be for at least the next three seasons.
"I'd like to know where I'm going to be for the next three seasons," Wagner said last week. "And every team I talk to is going to know that my family has to be comfortable and enjoy where we're going to be. We're looking long term, and taking our time."
Taking his time might also mean visiting a few other cities, though there are no imminent trips planned. For now, it's New York and then figure out a next step. By then, there will be at least two offers to consider.
While the Phillies are hopeful that Wagner's visit will be nothing more than a two-day jaunt to the big city, Gillick admitted that the Phillies have been preparing a Plan B, a list that likely includes Trevor Hoffman, B.J. Ryan, Tom Gordon, Bob Wickman and Dustin Hermanson.
"In the free-agent market, you can't be surprised," Gillick said. "You always have backup plans. [Wagner and the Phillies] made an agreement that we would stay in touch. I think the ball is in both our courts, really."
It's just Philadelphia's serve.
Last edited by Swoosh76; 11-17-2005 at 03:13 PM.
Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Even if Atlanta was interested in Wagner, there would be no way we could be able to compete with the Mets in their price range for him..The Mets, Yankees, as well as other teams (just can't think right now..too much on my head) but especially these 2 teams are just a bunch of overpaid players. I truly believe there should be a salary cap in baseball..
I head about Cameron, Bay and even Manny Ramirez...BUT NOT Wagner....Come on Rams, we been through some **** before, please please don't get on my hate list again, ok!
And plus...if we don't sign Furcal, what good will Wagner do anyway. He's a SAVIOR!!!!!!!! He closes games that are won already....please note that as a leaning experience!
--------------- Madden 2007 Next Gen football --------- PHILADELPHIA -- The latest installment in the bid to retain Billy Wagner featured the free agent's first face-to-face meeting with Pat Gillick.
And the Phillies' new general manager quickly realized what has been known for some time.
"I found Billy to be a candid, forthright guy," said Gillick, while driving from Virginia to Philadelphia. "We had a good discussion and exchanged some ideas. I was very impressed by him."
The ideas exchanged during the 2 1/2-hour meeting focused mostly on Gillick stressing Wagner's importance to his team's postseason aspirations. Those were the only details provided about the afternoon spent with Wagner, his wife, Sarah, and agent Bean Stringfellow.
"They made Billy feel as if he is their top priority," Stringfellow said. "They stressed that he was the guy they wanted to lock up before they did anything else, and Billy appreciated hearing that."
The Phillies made no new offer, though Gillick told Stringfellow that the Phillies would be in touch soon, most likely before the weekend. Should things continue to progress, another meeting might be scheduled.
"We'll continue the dialogue over the next few days," Gillick said. "As long as we're talking, there's always a chance. We'll be happy to discuss different issues."
Since a new proposal didn't arrive Wednesday, the Phillies are sticking to a previous proposal that was believed to have been for three guaranteed seasons and $29 million to $31 million, an upgrade from an earlier offer of three years and $24 million. Philadelphia is also thought to have made a two-year proposal in the neighborhood of $21 million.
Whether Gillick's proposal would be higher, lower or the same was unclear. Stringfellow wouldn't cite specifics of any offer, but said he would await word from Philadelphia.
"There's still some work that needs to be done, and there are still a lot of pieces to the puzzle," Stringfellow said. "The timeline will be when it's right."
Wagner's timeline still includes next week's two-day tour of New York City that will include some suburban neighborhoods in eastern Connecticut. He'll likely leave that trip with an offer from the Mets, thought to be Philadelphia's chief rival in the pursuit.
The Mets appear poised to overwhelm Wagner with an offer that could top out at four guaranteed seasons for as much as $43 million, but that is speculation at this point. More likely, the Mets' offer will be at three years and $30 million with a fourth-year option, according to a league source.
One published report said the Mets had already made such an offer. Stringfellow rebuffed that because he said an offer that preceded Wagner's visit was like putting the cart before the horse.
"If Billy and his family aren't comfortable [in New York], it doesn't matter what they offer," Stringfellow said.
Money doesn't appear to be an object for the cash-rich Mets, after shedding Mike Piazza's contract. They would save an additional $5 million if the outfielder swap with San Diego of Mike Cameron for Xavier Nady happens, and they have a new television network.
The Mets also have a recent track record of luring three significant free agents in the past few offseasons, outbidding the Phillies for Tom Glavine in 2002 and outbidding everybody for Pedro Martinez and Carlos Beltran last winter. The Red Sox, Cubs, White Sox and Tigers are also interested in Wagner.
A self-proclaimed "country boy who plays baseball," Wagner doesn't see a problem playing in Philadelphia or New York. He cites his family's comfort as a top factor in his decision. His wife and three children -- two of which would be changing schools -- plan to relocate to the city where he signs, and he has said that he would like the security of knowing where he'll be for at least the next three seasons.
"I'd like to know where I'm going to be for the next three seasons," Wagner said last week. "And every team I talk to is going to know that my family has to be comfortable and enjoy where we're going to be. We're looking long term, and taking our time."
Taking his time might also mean visiting a few other cities, though there are no imminent trips planned. For now, it's New York and then figure out a next step. By then, there will be at least two offers to consider.
While the Phillies are hopeful that Wagner's visit will be nothing more than a two-day jaunt to the big city, Gillick admitted that the Phillies have been preparing a Plan B, a list that likely includes Trevor Hoffman, B.J. Ryan, Tom Gordon, Bob Wickman and Dustin Hermanson.
"In the free-agent market, you can't be surprised," Gillick said. "You always have backup plans. [Wagner and the Phillies] made an agreement that we would stay in touch. I think the ball is in both our courts, really."
It's just Philadelphia's serve.
I agree. IMO we need Rafael Furcal back. Betemit is no lead of guy. He isn't as good as furcal. Giles isn't lead off. We have no lead off. we need furcal
__________________
St. Louis Rams Owner
Season Record: Pre 3 - 1: Reg: 0 - 0
Swoosh, I can't agree with you about not needing a closer without Furcal. Even if you are losing games, if you don't have a guy that can close out the games for you then you'll lose even more, not to mention the team's morale would go way down...
__________________
l 1 KC Chief Super Bowl Championship l - l 1 KC Royals World Series Title l - l 2 Kansas University Jayhawk NCAA Basketball Chamionships l
Swoosh, I can't agree with you about not needing a closer without Furcal. Even if you are losing games, if you don't have a guy that can close out the games for you then you'll lose even more, not to mention the team's morale would go way down...
See 2005 Game 4 NLDS Atlanta * Houston for further info.
6-1 into bottom 8 and Atlanta loses the game, why? no bullpen..A Closer is a must have for baseball.
Chipper took a paycut, restructured his contract so that he is only owed 11 mil this season, and the next 2 seasons are guarenteed now instead of options. With him doing this, we should be able to compete with any team in the Furcal bidding now and be able to land a guy like Todd Jones as our closer, maybe even Trevor Hoffman.
Not only does this help out with these situations, by Chipper being the true team player he is..it will allow us to better help ourselves in the re-signings of Marcus Giles and Andruw Jones when their contracts are up in the next couple of years.
Andruw just signed a long term deal last season. He got 12 million a year, which is a bargain when you consider what other players are getting paid. I think he signed either a 5 or 6 year deal.
I don't think the Braves "need" Furcal. You don't have to have a lead off hitter. How many times a game other than the first inning does a "lead off" hitter bat first in an inning? To me the key with that position is the ability to get on base. Furcal is good but Giles would do fine in that position. I wouldn't mind seeing Kelly Johnson hit lead off or second in the lineup. Atlanta should have a good middle order with Francouer, Chipper, and Andruw. They just need guys in front of them to get on base, not necessarily steal bases.
The main need for Atlanta is to stabalize the bullpen.
I think you'll see KJ traded in the offseason in a package..maybe with Estrada or Ramirez/Sosa..
We really don't have a need for him, Francoeur is every day, and Langerhans proved himself very worthy of being the everyday left fielder during the post season.
No not Jorge Sosa. Ramirez and Estrada Yes. Not KJ either. He will be a good future player.
There is no need for him in the future..Langerhans is ready.
If KJ stays, he will be platooned in with Langy in left. I've read reports that if we are unable to sign Furcal back that we may trade Thomson, Estrada, and KJ to Tampa for Lugo and a reliever (forget his name). I wouldn't mind seeing this deal go through, as Lugo would only be around the 1-2 years needed for Yunel Escobar to be ready, who is the next Rafael Furcal.
