Unlike Mariano Rivera, I believe Billy Wagner is an old dog with at least one more trick up his sleeve.
Prediction: Billy Wagner notches at least 35 saves in 2010.
During the off-season, the Braves let the dominating duo of Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez both pack their bags and leave. Instead they chose to sign veteran closer, Billy Wagner, for $7 Million.
I think this is a move that will pay off for the Braves. Finding a closer with Wagner’s experience is nearly impossible. Many will say closers are a dime a dozen, and I would agree with them, to some extent. However, when playoff time comes, I want to have 385 career saves on the mound.
Why is 35 saves plausible? First, Wagner has accomplished this feat six times over his fifteen year career. Second, Wagner is playing on the Braves, who I feel have a good chance of winning 90+ games. Lastly, while injuries have been a concern, Wagner’s peripheral stats have not shown much decline over the last five years.
2010 Prediction: 64 Innings, 4 Wins, 38 Saves, 66 K’s, 2.98 ERA, 1.13 WHIP
Why is this a bold prediction? Billy Wagner hasn’t reached 35+ saves since 2006, he will turn 39 in July, and he is returning from an injury that restricted him to 15 innings in 2009.
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