Is closing pitcher Billy Wagner of the New York Mets that good?

Question

In a subway series, between the NY Mets and the NY Yankees...

Mariano Rivera vs. Billy Wagner in the closing innings of the WS, would Wagner be a formidable challenge to Rivera or is the Yankee closer too overpowering for Wagner ?

Answer 1

Anyone who throws 100 plus MPH demands respect. However Rivera throws in the high 90's with pin point control. That is why Rivera is a future hall of famer. He has done it when it counts. Four world series rings makes him maybe the greatest relief pitcher of all time.

Only time will tell whether Wagner reaches that level.

Answer 2

First of all, I'm very biased as a Mets fan, and I think it will be A's and Mets in the World Series.

Anyway, Wagner is a good closer. He has an incredible fastball and when he is good he is Great! But he has lots of not great games, where he gets the save anyway. They are both good closers, but Mariano Rivera gets the edge just b/c he is Mariano Rivera

Wagner also has an ERA of 2.something, while Rivera's is better than that, Wagner has more strikeouts and they have around the same amount of saves

Conclusion: Rivera is better, But Wagner is not bad.

Answer 3

Billy the Kid is awesome in the reguler season. His limited post season experience has been a disaster though.

Compared to Rivera NOBODY comes close when it comes to the post season. You are talking about one of the all time greats dude. When people talk about the best closers ever your going to hear Gossage, Rivera, Hoffman and Eck. Wagner is on pace for 400 saves and will probably be one of many to pass Lee Smith's bogus mark. (Sorry Lee Smith was only an average closer who managed to keep his job through horrible years that would have and did end other closer's careers. At his best nobody feared Lee Smith. At his worst he was nearly batting practice)

Anyway Wagner is like Troy Percival, Sparky Lyle, and many other very good closers. Not the same calibur as an Eck or Riveria.

Even as old as Riveria is don't expect him to be human in the post season. It may be a century or more before somebody can touch Rivera in the post season.

Answer 4

Wagner is primarily a two-pitch pitcher, he throws an upper 90's fastball and a good slider. Rivera doesn't have the great velocity on his fastball, but locates his pitches better. Rivera has the hardware because he's played on better teams than Wagner, but their about equal in terms of their ability to get 3 outs.

Answer 5

rivera has all the expierence in the world with the closer role for so many years now in the season and during the playoffs, billy wagner hasnet been to the playoffs for quite a while now until this year when the mets brought him there. i could definetely give the edge to mariano rivera, its a no-brainer.

Answer 6

Pagan on condition that there is an harm infestation. Wagner. If he replaced into 25, i could say there could be some distant hazard he could pitch in approximately September, in spite of the undeniable fact that, at his age, it won't ensue. If Wagner comes to a decision to rehab and not retire, this is basically because of the fact he's procuring himself to a various club, next SEASON.

Answer 7

right now wagner has a big advantage he pitched great all season.rivera has missed alot of games near the end of the season.if mariano is on his game no one is or ever was better in the ninth inning in a must situation.advantage wagner now.

Answer 8

Billy Wagner has been great for my Mets most of the year. Had a few rough games, but it happens. Anything is better than Braden Looper.

But to answer your question, yes, he is that good.

Answer 9

I think that Wagner would be a formidable foe; because I think Mo has lost some of his edge, and hitters are no longer very intimidated by him.

: )

Answer 10

Rivera is the best closer in playoff history...not to mention regular season as well in my opinion. Look at the numbers...there's no comparison.