Years in Boston: 2009 (1-1, 1.98 ERA, 13.2 innings pitched, 22 strikeouts, 7 walks)
Best Year in Boston: 2009 (1-1, 1.98 ERA, 13.2 innings pitched, 22 strikeouts, 7 walks)
If not for Jack Chesbro, who pitched just one game and six innings, Billy Wagner would be the Hall of Famer who spent the least amount of time for the Red Sox. Wagner was nearing the end of his spectacular career in 2009 when the Red Sox acquired him in a trade with the Mets on August 25 in exchange for Chris Carter and Eddie Lora.
Wagner is primarily known for his time with the Astros. He spent the first nine years of his career in Houston, making the All Star team three times and notching 225 saves. He then pitched for the Phillies and Mets, making three more All Star teams. He spent most of the 2009 season on the Injured List, finally making his season debut in late August. He pitched in just two games for the Mets, but since they were not going anywhere, he was traded to the Red Sox.
Wagner made 15 appearances in Boston, accumulating 13.2 innings worth of work. He was not used as a closer, primarily setting up for All Star closer Jonathan Papelbon. Wagner was impressive in his limited amount of work, striking out 22 batters while walking just seven and pitching to a 1.98 ERA.
The big knock against Wagner has been his struggles in the postseason. He appeared in two games in the 2009 postseason in which Boston was bounced by the Angels in the first round. He threw just one innings, allowing two runs on a home run with a walk and a strikeout. So, his struggles continued.
After the season, Wagner signed a deal with the Braves. It was his final season, though he made the All Star team one last time. Wagner was on the ballot for Hall of Fame election for the full ten years, but finally made it in. He will wear an Astros cap on his plaque. His time in Boston was extremely short, but he performed well. In the end, he is another Red Sox in Cooperstown.
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