Red Sox acquired LHP Billy Wagner from the Mets for two players to be named later.
The deal was thought to be dead, but after some heavy lobbying by the Mets, the 38-year-old southpaw changed his mind and waived his no-trade clause. Only two appearances back from Tommy John surgery, Wagner shouldn't be expected to throw more than two or three times a week, but the Red Sox are one of the few teams that can absorb his remaining contract while monitoring his workload closely. The Red Sox will not pick up his $8 million option for 2010, but retain the rights to offer arbitration. As for the Mets, they should get two mid-level prospects in return. It was a no-brainer for GM Omar Minaya

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The Red Sox already have a good closer in Jonathan Papelbon, and during The U'z local broadcast of last night's White Sox/Red Sox game, Steve Stone mentioned that Papelbon wasn't thrilled about Boston getting Billy Wagner in a waiver deal like this. I'm not sure how the Red Sox plan on using Wagner.

With apologies to B&B....I'm not familiar with Papelbon's performance this year. I had game on last night though was not really watching / listening to it...but I thought it sounded like Stone was saying Papelbon had either been hurt or was struggling.

You can always have an 8th inning guy & a 9th inning guy....so long as they get the outs.

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Setup.