Wagner Blows It; Yankees Even Subway Series

Billy, it’s Metallica on the phone, they want their song back. Actually, you have bigger problems than a stupid song, you just threw your manager under the bus after blowing a 4-0 lead in the ninth. You were “surprised” to be used in that situation? Don’t you think for $11-million a year Willie Randolph should be able to choose when and how often he uses you?

Wagner’s terrible performance erased a fantastic start by Pedro Martinez. Pedro allowed only four hits over seven innings while striking out eight. He was staked to an early 2-0 lead after Carlos Beltran and David Wright delivered RBI doubles in the first. Carlos Delgado and Cliff Floyd homered to give the Mets a four-run lead going into the ninth.]

That’s when it all came apart as Wagner gave up a hit to Jason Giambi, a walk to Alex Rodriguez and a hit to Robinson Cano, before getting an out. Melky Cabrera battled through an 11-pitch at bat to draw a walk and Wagner collapsed from there, walking Kelly Stinnett and hitting Bernie Williams before being lifted from the game. Pedro Feliciano did his job and got a potential double-play ball, but Johnny Damon beat it out to tie the game. Miguel Cairo led off the eleventh inning with a walk and Andy Phillips singled him home to provide the Yankees with the unlikely 5-4 win.

Image from Stadiatins

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By Peter Trinkle on May 21, 2006 8:21 AM

Comments [rss]

Dave H.

Actually, it was all my friend John's fault. He texted me at the top of the 9th with a "Mets baby" taunt right b/f the Yanks staged their comeback. Willie Randolph wants his head on a platter.

Kevin Walsh

Wagner is getting to be a problem. Too many BS'es.

I don't know, perhaps the closer's role has become too specified, with too many restrictions. In the 60s, Tug McGraw and Ron Taylor were pitching 2-3 innings for the save, and even in the late 70s and 80's, Goose Gossage would go three, and he had to be prepared to enter a lot of games.

For Billy Wagner to complain that he wasn't ready to come into the game...well, perhaps Billy Wagner should consider becoming ready. 4-0 is a close game.

www.forgotten-ny.com

Alex

It was as rather long game also...

But at least it was a close game.

Tara

Uh...no. The Mets didn't lose that game, Willie lost that game. No way you put your closer in to pitch the 9th inning of a 4-0 game. It has to do with job description, not salary. If you knew anything about baseball, you'd know that. Also, Willie had ample time to get Wagner out of there after it became clear he didn't have it. Don't pin this one on the team, pin it on the manager.