Braves Sign Billy Wagner RP 1 yr/$7M (2nd yr vesting option)

[AHF]

Star closer Billy Wagner has agreed to sign a free-agent contract with the Braves, SI.com has confirmed.

Wagner will receive a $7 million, one-year deal with Atlanta that includes a vesting option for a second year. The second-year option is worth $6.5 million and vests if Wagner finishes 50 games. Wagner was 1-1 with a 1.72 ERA with the Mets and Red Sox this past year.

The deal was first reported by Foxsports.com.

The Red Sox offered Wagner arbitration on Tuesday, so they will receive a draft choice from Atlanta as compensation for signing him. The Braves were seeking to replace Rafael Soriano, also a free agent, as closer.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/12/02/braves.wagner/index.html#ixzz0YXuqQpPF

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[coachx]

I hope he can stay healthy !

The only down side is that we lost our 1st round pick (#18 I believe) to the Red Sox since Wagner was a "type A" free agent.

The good news is that we could collect 2 more 1st round picks if Soriano and Gonzo are signed by other teams, since we offered them arbitration.

If the team that signs them picks 15 or higher.............then we get a sandwich pick (between the 1st and 2nd rounds) + their 2nd round pick. If the team that signs Soriano or Gonzo pick after #15, in the 1st round, then we simply get their 1st round pick.

[WraithSentinel]

Good signing

[APE]

I wish Gonzalez would stay but he probably doesn't want to pitch in game where the Braves are winning 10-0 again..

[APE]

Now with Saito there's no need for Gonzo or ........*hold your breath* Soriano