Billy Wagner versus Oliver Perez AKA “The Wall”
May 3, 2008 by Stephen Kersey
Filed under News, Personalities
On Wednesday, the New York Mets lost 13-1 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The drama for the Mets didn’t end there. Closer Billy Wagner sounded off on starting pitcher Oliver Perez, who lasted less than two innings.
“Perez has honestly got to step up and know that we’ve just used every guy in our bullpen the night before,” Wagner said to the Associated Press. “He can’t come out there and decide that, ‘Gee, he hasn’t got it today and so be it.’ ”
A reported then asked Wagner if talking to Perez was like talking to a wall. Wagner’s response? “Pretty much.”
On the season, Perez is 2-2 with a 4.03 ERA. Wagner hasn’t yet allowed an earned run on the season. He has 12 strikeouts in 12 innings, to go along with six saves.
Mets’ manager Willie Randolph reportedly told Wagner he should have handled the situation in-house.
“I wouldn’t go that route, but that’s Billy,” Randolph said. “Billy gets a little emotional at times. If he feels that way, it’s fine. Billy doesn’t speak for the team. That’s just him. That’s just his opinion.”
Photo: Newscom
Yeah 13 to 1 is bad, but anyone could have a bad day I have seen worst .so put those hankies back in the pockets and continue with baseball …oliver is a great player