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The Braves may have found a solution at the back of their bullpen as they brace for the potential loss of two top relievers. Veteran closer Billy Wagner has agreed to a deal with Atlanta, according to a report by FOXSports.com.The deal, according to the report, is for one year and $7 million and includes a vesting option for 2011.
Wagner is one of the greatest closers ever -- his 385 career saves place him sixth on the all-time list -- and he'll bring plenty of NL East experience with him to Atlanta, having spent most of the last six seasons in the division, first with the Phillies and then with the Mets.
Wagner worked his way back from Tommy John surgery ahead of schedule last August, making two appearances for New York before he was dealt to the Red Sox in a waiver deal later in the month. The left-hander excelled in a setup role for Boston, appearing in 15 games and striking out 22 hitters in 13 2/3 innings as the Sox made their final playoff push.
That was apparently enough to convince the Braves that he was healthy and effective enough to be a big part of their bullpen in 2010.
Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez, who saved a combined 37 games for Atlanta, are both free agents this winter, and the signing of Wagner could signal the end for one or both with the team.
The Braves offered both pitchers arbitration before the deadline on midnight Tuesday and could be prepared to let them walk, especially since Soriano and Gonzalez are Type-A free agents who could net the club first-round draft picks. Wagner is also a Type-A free agent, and he was offered arbitration by the Red Sox, meaning Atlanta stands to lose its top pick in the 2010 draft.
Allowing Soriano and/or Gonzalez to depart and collecting the compensatory picks could soften that blow.
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