Last offseason Atlanta Braves General Manager Frank Wren took a gamble on Billy Wagner, signing him to a $6 million contract for one year to become the Braves’ closer.
Wagner, who was coming off an injury in which he tore the medial collateral ligament and flexor pronator in his left arm, spent the final month of the 2009 season with the Boston Red Sox and pitched effectively, luring the Braves to offer the veteran lefty a contract.
Wagner racked up 37 saves while posting a 1.43 ERA for the 2010 wild card winners.
After signing the deal, Wagner made it clear he would retire at the end of the season, no matter the outcome. His success was proof that he was still one of the game’s elite closers.
Wagner’s 2010 performance prompted the Braves not to take him off the 40-man roster for 2011, nor has Wagner filed retirement papers with Major League Baseball. This would lead one to believe there is some hope Wagner will return in 2011 as the Braves closer and solidify the back end of an already strong bullpen.
In light of the big offseason move, the Braves made by acquiring second baseman Dan Uggla from the Florida Marlins in order to bolster their anemic offense, Wagner may re-consider his decision to retire. Uggla automatically makes the Braves better than they were last season in which they made the playoffs.
If Wagner does decide to come back, it would mean the Braves would be legitimate contenders to not only de-throne the Philadelphia Phillies atop the NL East, but to win the World Series as well.
The team would have a stellar offense, a deep starting rotation and a strong bullpen with a lights-out closer…all the pieces for a World Series title.
The realistic chance of being a world champion should make it tough for the 39-year-old future Hall-of-Famer to walk away from baseball.
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