The LoHud Mets Blog

February 15: Wagner reports; said he was never right last year

February

Closer Billy Wagner 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.”

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 15th, 2007 at 3:04 pm by John Delcos.
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9 Responses to “February 15: Wagner reports; said he was never right last year”

Steve C. February 15th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
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.
:-)
John Delcos February 15th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
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.
Brian February 15th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
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.
bdid February 15th, 2007 at 10:09 pm
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?
Joe February 15th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
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.
Gil February 16th, 2007 at 12:06 am
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.
Ed Alejandro February 16th, 2007 at 12:37 am
yah right!
John Delcos February 16th, 2007 at 10:20 am
- To BDID (RE: Wagner rehab): Yes, I remember. What he does is place his hand palm down in a bucket of rice and squeeze, forcing his hand to the bottom. I tried it with sand and it is harder than you think. It works every muscle in the hand.
- Gil (RE:1-2-3 innings): Funny you mentioned it, but Wagner spoke about not getting enough 1-2-3 innings and struggling.
bdid February 16th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Thanks John,

It's really great that you have this blog. It is greatly appreciated.

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