Yankees should make an offer to Wagner

[23and2]

Here is my thinking: Omar Minaya wants Wagner badly. This is the same Omar who inflated the market price for B-List pitchers last season with his signing of Chris Benson (we then overpaid for Jaret Wright. Lieber's option, in retrospect, was a great deal). Omar is about the inflate the market price again by getting his man - Billy Wagner.

I suggest we make an offer to Wagner. Whether or not it's true that BJ Ryan doesn't want to deal with the "pressure" thing, and guys like Gordon are looking for closer roles, one thing is true: Most of the relievers on the market who are looking for "closer money" are going to wait to see what the Mets pay Wagner. So rather than sit back and watch the Mets 1) Inflate the market and 2) Get a good pitcher, I suggest we outbid them for Wagner. Otherwise, we'll not only miss out on the better relievers available (if BJ and Gordon go somewhere to close), but we will also end up paying premium (Omar inflated) prices for the B-List relievers.

There is a thread on Looper. Imagine paying premium, close to "closer type" money for Looper - a guy who gave Mets fans fits everytime he came into a game.

If we don't become more agressive, then I hope the Yankees sit back and don't overpay for consolation prizes. To me, that's a waste of money.

[Yankee Bulldawg]

i would'nt mind having Wagner but the question is will he want to be a setup man for Mo?

[YankClipper5]

I would not mind Wagner being a setup man but I think he would. He is chasing milestones as a closer and will be offered top dollar to close for competitive ball clubs, so we have nothing other than money to offer him, which means we will overpay. As for your comment on Looper, he probably lost all stock as a closer and will need to work his way back by accepting a regular bullpen assignment so he won't be terrible to try out. I agree if for some off the wall reason he commands closer money, let him walk but I am not opposed to throwing a contract offer at Looper or Wagner. That said, Wagner will be closing somewhere next season.

[swityak11]

There's no reason for him to come to the Yanks to be demoted. He will get top top dollar to close somewhere.

[YankeeStripes]

It wont happen.


Farnsworth is a possibility. So is Howry. They need to pony up for gordan, and pick up one more innings eater.


Howry, Farnsworth, Gordon, Rivera = very good bullpen.

[silverdsl]

So rather than sit back and watch the Mets 1) Inflate the market and 2) Get a good pitcher, I suggest we outbid them for Wagner. Otherwise, we'll not only miss out on the better relievers available (if BJ and Gordon go somewhere to close), but we will also end up paying premium (Omar inflated) prices for the B-List relievers.

I get the point on not wanting the prices for relievers to sky-rocket. But why does it matter if the Mets get him? Last time I checked the Mets aren't in the division and aren't even in the same league. In addition, if Wagner wants to close there probably isn't enough money to get him to sign with the Yankees. For a lot of players it's not about money - it's about signing with a team where they will be comfortable playing in the role they want.

-Deborah

[Mr. Mxylsplk]

: Most of the relievers on the market who are looking for "closer money" are going to wait to see what the Mets pay Wagner. So rather than sit back and watch the Mets 1) Inflate the market and 2) Get a good pitcher, I suggest we outbid them for Wagner. Otherwise, we'll not only miss out on the better relievers available (if BJ and Gordon go somewhere to close), but we will also end up paying premium (Omar inflated) prices for the B-List relievers.

Given that there is no way Wagner will sign here and give up being a closer, all we accomplish by bidding on him is inflating the market even more. Why would we want to do that?

[23and2]

I wouldn't make an offer if there was no chance he'd accept the setup role.

[JeffWeaverFan]

There's no reason to make an offer when there is a 0% chance he'll accept it. Except if you just want to increase the price for the Mets and subsequently increase the price of all relievers.

[23and2]

Having just listened to Wagner on the radio (Mike and the Mad Dog interview), I am left with a few of impressions:

1) Sounds like he doesn't love NY but would come if blown away with an offer. (Money matters)

2) It's easy to ruffle this guys feathers. Dog mentioned Larry Bowa's name and a comment he made about Wagner's 3-4mph decrease in velocity on 2nd consecutive appearances... Wagner basically said "I don't care" and then "who cares what Larry Bowa says" ..and then some sarcastic praise of Bowa saying "I guess Bowa would know". No love lost there. Wagner doesn't sound the the type of guy who could sustain the constant media scrutiny he'd be subject to in NY. I think this NY trip might have just helped make his decision for him.

3) Mentioned Atlanta and Boston as interested teams in addition to Mets and Phillies. If the money is close in Philly, I bet he stays there.

4) Sounds like he's looking to close only.

5) Given what I heard from Wagner's own lips - I suppose there isn't any purpose to this thread.

[powerpinstripes]

Heard the interview too. He would not last one second with the NY media (Mets or Yankees) if that Bowa comment is any indication


--Let him stay in Philly.

[ieddyi]

LEt the Mets alone- we want them to have enough cash to be able to lure Manny away from the sawx

[JeffWeaverFan]

LEt the Mets alone- we want them to have enough cash to be able to lure Manny away from the sawx

I don't want them getting rid of Manny in his decline years at $20 million per and then getting a guy that is going to be a great player in Lastings Milledge.