Philadelphia Phillies
We stock Tennessee Volunteers Football Tickets and packages. See our complete listings of Tennessee Volunteers Football Tickets. Tennessee Volunteers Football event maps and prices.
We want to be your Women's Final Four Tickets headquarters.
Purchase Philadelphia Phillies Tickets right now. Don't miss another moment of great baseball. This website includes information on Philadelphia Phillies Tickets, schedules and seating charts. GO GO GO! Philadelphia Phillies.
SAN FRANCISCO -- Billy Wagner doesn't understand the concept of slow, which is understandable for a guy who throws a fastball in triple digits.
So it's easy to see why the Phillies' closer has grown impatient regarding the pace of discussions that may yield him a contract extension. He wants such things to happen yesterday.
"I get frustrated at times and probably say things a little off the cuff because I want things to get done quicker," Wagner said. "As long as we're moving in the right direction and both sides are working together, I think something will get done."
Earlier this month, Wagner said he'd test free agency unless he signed an extension by Sept. 1, one week from Thursday. He was believed to be seeking a three-year deal worth between $24 million and $27 million, with a full no-trade clause.
Wagner is making $9 million this season.
Asked how things were going on Wednesday, Wagner said he didn't expect any press conferences to be scheduled within the next week.
Don't misinterpret this as a sign that Wagner is as good as gone once the 2005 season ends. He still lists the Phillies as his top destination this offseason, and believes something will happen.
"We're talking and we're going to work things out," he said. "Things are going to be fine. I really don't see me going anywhere. It's a good situation. They're doing it the right way by allowing me to pitch and do my job, and they're dealing with it together. I'm optimistic because I want to be and I expected something to happen.
"I think the deadline thing was blown out of proportion, but that's good because it got us talking. The deadline was to say, 'Hey, let's start talking,' because I didn't want to wait until September rolls around."
While Wagner may no longer have a choice in the matter, he understands the Phillies' position. He realizes that their budget is unclear and that there is no urgency to worry about contract negotiations.
Should the 34-year-old get to the open market, he would easily be the best available closer in a field that may also include B.J. Ryan, Jose Mesa, Trevor Hoffman and Ugueth Urbina. Philadelphia could opt for the less-expensive Urbina and let Wagner leave.
The Phillies approached Wagner in late July about an extension and didn't get very far, but the sides have been talking since. Assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. wouldn't characterize the discussions, but said the team would "love to have Billy back.
"It would make sense to want our closer back," Amaro said. "But there's no timeframe and I'm not going to characterize any of the negotiations. We'd love to have Billy back and that's about the extent of it."
Wagner would love to be back.
"The Phillies are my first option," he said. "I like it here, and that's tough for a country boy like me to say. This city is the opposite of everything that I am, but they allow me to be myself. There's a passion I enjoy that helps me compete."
Wagner is steaming toward another phenomenal season. The All-Star has reeled off 21 straight saves since blowing one on May 24. His 1.65 ERA is his lowest since posting a 1.57 mark in 1999.
A reasonable assumption of 40 saves this season would place Wagner at 286 for his career. Though the dollars and at least a limited no-trade clause are still factors, he figures a three-year deal would give him a legitimate shot at 400 saves.
"The years are important because I have goals," Wagner said.
Wagner's goals also include pitching and advancing beyond the first round of the playoffs. The contract business can happen after that, and Wagner believes that progress is being made.
"There's been progress," he said. "I don't know how close we are in dollars or anything. That's something my agent and the Phillies will discuss. If my agent feels it's a good deal, then he'll call me. It's not my job to negotiate. It's my job to close out games for the Phillies."