Sports Betting Articles
MLB- Mets Closer Bill Wagner Is Out of the Season
By Ally White
The 37-years-old closer pitcher Bill Wagner is possibly out of the MLB season after being in rehab for several months due to an elbow injury that was bothering him for quite some time. However after he was trying to pitch at the simulated game last Sunday, Wagner decided his pain was too strong to keep going, therefore the specialists sent Wagner to an MRI. The results showed a torn ligament in his elbow and a torn flexor pronator in his forearm.
Wagner will need surgery and it will take him more than a year to recover. This news was like budket of cold water for general manager Omar Minaya, who expressed his concern regarding Wagner’s health and his decision to replace him.
The Mets are now preparing to play without Wagner, who was a key closer pitcher for the team. “That was a fact that I was not expecting to spend a lot of dollars on, specially to get a new closer. That being said, all it does is force us to look at other ways of making a fit. We may have to look at different options - internally, externally and it's going to be a challenge. We're going to really have to think outside the box," Minaya stated during a conference regarding the issue.
Before Wagner became injured he had a 4-year $43 million contract with the Mets which also incorporated an additional $8 million team option when the contract ends in 2010. Wagner knows the Mets will not wait for him and that is very obvious, the Mets need a top closer and he knows he will not pitch next year. Nevertheless, his family is supporting him as this has become his biggest challenge during his professional career as pitcher and it is very tough.
Wagner knows there is a long way ahead but he is confident he will be back to accomplish his 420 saves and a World Series title. Not only his surgery is a challenge but also his age and the reality check to know that younger and good players are coming to compete against him.
1993 was the first year of Wagner’s professional career when he was drafted by the Houston Astros. But his first appearance was not until 1995 against the Mets. After great accomplishments with many saves and strike outs with the Astros in almost 9 years, Wagner was traded to the Phillies in 2004.
In November 2005 he signed a 4-year contract with the Mets for $43 million. So far Wagner’s best season was in 2003 when he reached career-highs in saves of 44, 86 innings pitched, 78 games played and 105 strikeouts.
As people look through out his 14-years of professional baseball career, they can see he is an incredible baseball player and a very though man who will overcome his Tommy John surgery - as it is called - and he will come back to accomplished his goals and retire in the way he always dreamed.
About the Author
Ally White is a top senior copy writer on MLB games and sports action for the online sportbook http://www.instantactionsports.com. Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.
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