Billy Wagner Coming Back To Boston?

Left handed reliever Billy Wagner, who was not expected to accept arbitration from the Boston Red Sox, just might. It was said that he wanted to be a closer, a job the Red Sox have fully covered with a guy named Jonathon Papelbon. Wag's agent, Bean (yes, I spelled it correctly) Stringfellow (did they call him string bean in high school?) had this to say...

“I just visited with Billy and his family the other day and I can tell you this much: Billy thoroughly enjoyed his time in Boston. It was one of the best experiences he has ever had in baseball. So, does he rule out accepting arbitration? No, he doesn’t. One thing that’s important to him is the chance to win a championship and that’s not a minor detail. Based upon his experience in Boston and his desire to win, to say he has completely ruled it out, certainly he has not. I fully anticipate the Red Sox offering him arbitration,” Stringfellow said. “Prior to meeting him the other day, if you had asked me would he accept arbitration, I would have said 100 percent no.”

Interesting, verrrry interesting (oops, wrong show). Wagner did a great job with Daniel Bard covering the eighth inning bridge to Paps and would be a welcome addition to the 2010 Boston Red Sox bullpen. He'd be another year removed from his surgery and, if he conditions correctly, would be stronger than last year. In a nutshell, I hope he comes back.

Jason Varitek has not yet decided to pick up his own $3 million option, but I bet you he will very soon. We all know Victor Martinez is our number one catcher for 2010, thankfully so, but having the captain back to catch a couple games a week even though he can't throw out runners trying to steal second, not anymore and that's sad, would be a Godsend for every pitcher, starter or reliever on the 2010 team. Case closed...for me.

Have a great Hump Day Wednesday. Again, it's WAY too early for me to be awake...I just don't know why. But it's dark, it's quiet, it's peaceful and I'll probably fall asleep tonight at 7:45pm. As always, BE WELL. I'll see you tomorrow, if not before.