Red Sox lost Wagner.

[The Intimidator]

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, the Braves have inked reliever Billy Wagner to a one-year, $7 million contract.
The deal also includes a vesting option for 2011. Atlanta is faced with losing both Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano to free agency this winter, but the signing of Wagner should ease some of the pain. The 38-year-old southpaw managed an impressive 1.98 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 26/8 K/BB ratio this past season and limited opponents to a .174 batting average in 15 appearances. As of now, it appears he'll serve as the Braves' closer in 2010. Dec. 2 - 1:31 am et
rotoworld

Not complaining. Same situation as Bay/Holliday that was brought up a few days ago. I'll trade Wagner + a lower first round pick for Soriano + a higher first round pick + a compensation pick any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

 

[dalero]

We get the 20th pick in the draft from Atlanta as comp and a flex pick in the second. Worked out great for the Sox.

 

[IcyPatriot]

We get the 20th pick in the draft from Atlanta as comp and a flex pick in the second. Worked out great for the Sox.

Yes ... some were panicing when he accepted arbitration thinking he might really want to stay here.

 

[Real World]

This is an instance, or example of, the Sox being a Have in the current system. How many teams have the financial ability to add a $10 million dollar a year reliever who just got off TJ srugery, and pitched a handfull of games? Not many. The Sox could afford to take on Wagners salary no problem, even though he was a health risk. They could also afford to offer him arbitration without worry if he accepted. They can carry an $8-11 million set up man if they truly want to. In the end, their financial ability netted them two high draft picks. Atlanta's, and a sandwich pick. In 2-3 years time, the Sox will then be able to use those players themselves, or move them in a deal for an established player.

Oh, and lets not forget that they will be able to draft players that other teams can't afford to sign, or are signability risks due to college. These are advantages that few people realize, as they tend to be focused on the more pronounced issues like the mega deal a pending FA just signed.