BallHype - Latest Billy Wagner News Articles

Billy Wagner in Atlanta: A Perfect Fit?

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:18:00 +0000

With Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez's departures nearly a given in Atlanta, the Braves have to look towards the Free Agent market for their closer. (Well, they don't have to, but who is going to trade away a legitimate closer this offseason?) Names that jump out include Brandon Lyon, Fernando Rodney, and Jose Valverde. But combinations of ability and contractual issues make these guys relatively poor fits. One name that has been established through various media outlets for the Braves, though, is Billy Wagner. The 38-year-old lefty has drawn interest from various teams and, according to MLB Trade Rumors, is prepared to begin fielding offers next week. The Hot Stove's beginning to heat up, no? The one hitch that comes along with Wagner is that he is coming back from Tommy John Surgery. But with a success rate in the 90's for TJS and a solid 17-game exposition (1.72 ERA, 26:8 K:BB, in 15.2 innings) at the end of the '09 season, the qualms many should have should be quieted ...

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Jon Heyman: Primer to the free-agent market, from Bay to Wagner

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:42:26 +0000

A week before Thanksgiving, free agency is officially here. But the signings may not come so fast. SI.com's Jon Heyman breaks down the top big names and the likeliest courting teams.

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Burke big in Wagner's quarterfinal win

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:38:51 +0000

Emily Burke has come a long way since her sophomore season. On Wednesday, the rest of the city found out just how far. The 6-foot-3 junior outside hitter had 13 kills and two blocks, including two apiece in one critical four-point stretch in the firs...

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Billy Crystal: Dallas Cowboy for a day

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:05:07 +0000

Billy Crystal traded a stage for a Salvation Army center to help serve an early Thanksgiving lunch to the needy in Dallas.

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Spelling Closer With a K (or 100)

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:33:22 +0000

Willie Hernandez was at the center of it all for the 1984 Tigers. A happy 55th birthday today to Willie Hernandez, the closer for the Tigers when I was growing up, and the last lefthanded pitcher to win MVP honors in either league, when he also won the Cy Young for the 1984 Tigers. That year, Hernandez had 32 saves as he went 9-3 with a 1.92 ERA, while pitching 140.1 innings. Only eight closers since the creation of the save rule in 1969 have had 30 or more saves in a season, struck out 100 or more hitters and posted an ERA below 2.00. And here they are, courtesy of the always-useful, and recently revamped Baseball-Reference Play Index … Eric Gagne, 2003 Dodgers - 55 SV, 137 K, 1.20 ERA Bruce Sutter, 1977 Cubs - 31 SV, 129 K, 1.34 ERA Billy Wagner, 1999 Astros - 39 SV, 124 K, 1.57 ERA John Hiller, 1973 Tigers - 38 SV, 124 K, 1.44 ERA Eric Gagne, 2002 Dodgers - 52 SV, 114 K, 1.97 ERA John Wetteland, 1993 Expos - 43 SV, 113 K, 1.37 ERA Willie Hernandez, 1984 Tigers - 32 SV, 112 ...

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A's In 2010: In Billy We Trust?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:51:41 +0000

With the Oakland A's coming off a 75-87 record, and their third straight losing season, is it time to question General Manager, Billy Beane's motives? During his time as General Manager, Billy Beane has made it a habit to trade away his most proven and successful players just before they reach their full potential in exchange for younger talent, who ultimately get traded away for even younger talent. After being swept by the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS back in 2006, the A's lost Barry Zito and Frank Thomas to free agency. But despite losing two of his best players, Beane buckled down and decided that the A's could go on without them. In 2007, the A's winning ways were put to an aggrevating hault, as they finished 76-86. Thus, Beane was reminded that the A's were an aging club and that the farm system was dangerously low with talent. So, during the offseason of 2007-08, Beane decided to trade away not only the club's best pitcher in Dan Haren, but fan favorite Nick Swisher, as well. The "Haren" ...

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