ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves took another major step toward solidifying their pitching staff for next season, agreeing yesterday to a $7 million, one-year contract with closer Billy Wagner.
The six-time All-Star gets $6.75 million in 2010, and his deal includes a $6.5 million club option for 2011 with a $250,000 buyout. The option would become guaranteed if he finishes 50 games next season.
The 38-year-old Wagner missed most of last season following elbow ligament replacement surgery on Sept. 10, 2008. The left-hander returned to the New York Mets on Aug. 20, reached 96 mph in his first appearance, then was traded to the Boston Red Sox five days later.
Wagner was 1-1 with a 1.98 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 132รขÑ3 innings for the Red Sox. In Game 3 of the playoffs against the Angels, he allowed a hit and a walk in the eighth inning, and both runners scored against Jonathan Papelbon.
Because Wagner was ranked a Type A free agent and the Red Sox offered salary arbitration on Tuesday, Boston will receive two extra picks in June's amateur draft as compensation.
But the Braves are counting on getting extra picks for Soriano and Gonzalez, who have until Monday to accept arbitration but are expected to turn it down to pursue multiyear deals with other teams.
Atlanta declined to offer arbitration to first baseman Adam LaRoche or outfielder Garret Anderson. There's still a chance that LaRoche might return to Braves, who acquired him from Boston just before the trade deadline for his second stint with the team. He was one of the team's best offensive players down the stretch, hitting .325 with 12 homers and 40 RBIs in 57 games.
If nothing else, the re-signing of Hudson and signing of Wagner shows the Braves are serious about sending Cox out a winner in his final season as manager. Last season, the one-time NL powerhouse made a run at its first playoff berth since 2005 before a dismal final week ended those hopes.
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