Relief pitcher Billy Wagner, the newest Atlanta Brave, recorded 159 pitches of at least 100 mph in one season. He hit 101 once -- in Turner Field.
That was six years ago. Wagner is 38, freshly recovered from the dreaded Tommy John surgery. He relies less on heat, more on movement.
None of which deterred the Braves, impressed by Wagner's late-season stints with the Mets and Red Sox, from offering $7 million for one year . Wagner has agreed and will sign as soon as he can find a pen that works.
The deal might send Mike Gonzalez or Rafael Soriano, or both, off the greener pastures. They shared closer duties and can return to the Braves only via arbitration.
Whether they are here or not, Wagner will get the ball in ninth innings. He is motivated by catching the retired John Franco as the all-time saves leader, needing 40. At 385, he ranks sixth.
Wagner knows the NL East well, having also toiled for the Phillies. Aside from the fact that most closers have short life expectancies, there is nothing not to like about this acquisition. It's the most impactful of the offseason so far, and it has the Braves' fingerprints all over it.
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