Closer “Billy Wagner”:http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=5536 is in camp and just held court. He said he couldn’t recall a time last season when he was right mentally and physically at the same time.
“If there was, I don’t remember it,’’ said Wagner.
Wagner strained a tendon in his left middle finger and admits pushing himself back. “I didn’t feel I had the life and control (on my pitches),’’ he said, mostly because he kept experimenting with his grip.
Wagner said he’s experienced this before in the spring and said he’ll know in another couple of weeks about this year.
Wagner saved 40 games with a 2.24 ERA last season, which are good enough numbers.
“The numbers say I was good,’’ Wagner said. “But, mentally I know I wasn’t.’‘
9 Comments
Thats good to hear someone be that honest. means he’s gonna work harder. plus we got early bird mets all psyched and ready to train. seems like we may have a good chance this year.
:-)
To Steve C. (RE: Wagner)
Yeah, I got that feeling, too. Wagner was asked about his finger a lot during the season, but always said it was fine. That’s not surprising. Complaining only sounds like excuses.
You could see the lack of confidence in Wagner early last season. He seemed to shy away from the fastball and use more sliders. His walks were up. He seemed to get much better in the second half though, so hopefully that’s a sign the finger was getting better and better.
John,
I don’t know if you remember, but about a month ago I asked you if Wagner had done anything to help that finger injury. You said you’d look into it. Did he give any indication that he rehabbed it?
Wagner is still among the top 5 closers in the league, and I am glad he pitches for the Mets.
On those days when I get down on Wagner, all I have to do is think of Looper and Benitez and soon I’m back behind our closer Billy Wagner.
I had a feeling…I wonder if the Elias Sports Bureau has the numbers on how many 1-2-3 innings Billy pitched last year – I don’t remember too many. Still he had a great year – I’ll take 40 out of 45 save chances converted any day. But I’ll be sweating for the next two weeks wondering if his finger will be OK. Hopefully the four months of rest will have him right.
yah right!
Thanks John,
It’s really great that you have this blog. It is greatly appreciated.