New York Mets Fan Blog

The Good Old Days

With the Braves series wrapping up I feel what left a lasting impression on me was how quick and easy the Braves won the first two games after taking a lead into the ninth inning. Seeing Billy Wagner come out and throw heat, overpowering the Mets hitters to a 1-2-3 inning the first night was just magical.

Ever since Wagner’s injury, the Mets have had problems with the ninth inning. In 2008 when he sustained the injury, the Mets were not the same and again struggled down the stretch resulting in a collapse…though only 3.5 games that time.

I distinctly remember going to the first game we found out Wagner was injured. Santana had pitched magnificently to help the Mets to a 4-1 lead over the Phillies, just to have the bullpen combine to blow the save without Wagner and ultimately lose the game.

With word that Wagner would not make it back for the 2009 season, the Mets went out to sign the best closer on the market, K-Rod, and trade for a second closer in J.J. Putz. The result: an early injury to Putz and a miserable second half for K-Rod.

While K-Rod has been better this season, he has still come out to throw some stinkers. Even when he does get the save he makes sure to make it close.

Putz has left the Mets to have a respectable season with the White Sox, and in more disappointing news, Wagner has left to the rival Braves to give them a top-notch closer.

I never understood why the Mets were so determined to ship him out last season. Aside from saving money on his salary there was no reason to. Its not like they brought in great prospects. Chris Carter was the best pick-up and after refusing to call him up earlier this season, it seems likely he will be demoted once Beltran returns.

Keeping him would have gotten two draft picks from the Braves as he was a type-a free agent. I understand there was a fear that no one would want to sign him, but it was a risk worth taking.

by Evan Slavit at the Sports Fan Blog Network

July 12, 2010 Posted by slavite | Billy Wagner, Bloggers, Evan Slavit, Francisco Rodriguez, MLB, NY Mets Stuff, New York Mets, Original Content | Billy Wagner, Chris Carter, JJ Putz, K-Rod, Mets | No Comments Yet