It sounds as if Billy Wagner won't be throwing for a playoff team this season, or even a possible contender. After Boston claimed him off waivers, giving the Mets through early Tuesday to work a trade with the Red Sox out, Wagner has refused to waive his no-trade clause, reports Ken Rosenthal. [Update: Rosenthal's sources now saying Wagner may be willing to head to Boston]
The sticking point was as follows:
Wagner, through his agent, Bean Stringfellow [yep], communicated to the Red Sox that he only would accept a trade if the team met two conditions. The Sox agreed to one of those conditions, the source said, promising that they would decline Wagner's $8 million club option for 2010, the source said. However, the Sox were not willing to guarantee that they would decline to offer Wagner salary arbitration, making him a free agent without draft-pick compensation.
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So, no. It wasn't about not wanting to pitch under pressure, with an aging, surgery repaired arm. In two innings of work since coming off the DL, Wags has been almost perfect, allowing no runs or hits, one walk, and striking out four. The Phillies meet the Mets four more times, September 11-13.