The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
38°F
Current Conditions
Broken clouds
View complete weather report

Color Scheme

Subscribe now

Mets’ Wagner cites clause

Mets pitcher Billy Wagner wants to remain a closer. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Associated Press
Mets pitcher Billy Wagner wants to remain a closer. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

Billy Wagner wants to be a closer next season, regardless of which team he’s on.

That’s why the New York Mets reliever says Boston must guarantee it will decline his contract option for 2010 before he would approve a potential trade this week to the Red Sox, who already have an All-Star closer in Jonathan Papelbon.

“I don’t want to end my career as a setup man,” Wagner said. “I’d like to have that option.”

Wagner has a no-trade clause in his contract, which includes an $8 million option for next year with a $1 million buyout. If his option is declined, he can become a free agent in the offseason and sign with any team.

FoxSports.com reported late Sunday that Wagner’s agent, Bean Stringfellow, had another condition for Wagner accepting a trade to Boston: He wants the Red Sox to guarantee they won’t offer Wagner salary arbitration this offseason, thus making him more attractive to potential suitors on the open market, because those teams wouldn’t have to give up high draft picks as compensation for signing him.

After the Mets’ 6-2 loss to Philadelphia on Monday, Wagner said he was set to travel with the team to Florida. New York begins a three-game series against the Marlins on Tuesday night.

“Right now I’m going to Florida. Unless something changes in Boston, I’m going to be a Met,” he said. “They want me to set up. I’m too old to set up.

“I’d like to end my career as a closer.”

The 38-year-old Wagner is sixth on the career list with 385 saves. He said he’d like to reach 400 and then pass John Franco (424) for the most by a left-handed pitcher.

Clearing the bases

Johan Santana and Jeff Francoeur are the latest Mets stars to be sidelined with injuries. Santana was scratched from his next scheduled start because of discomfort in his pitching elbow. Francoeur has a torn ligament in his left thumb, leaving New York without its right fielder and top hitter. … Twins first baseman Justin Morneau returned to the Minnesota lineup for the game against Baltimore after missing six games with an inner ear infection. … The Colorado Rockies have signed former A.L. MVP Jason Giambi to a minor league contract. The 38-year-old Giambi will report to Triple-A Colorado Springs.