Billy Wagner Next Quotations

We played 160 games to have a chance to get to the playoffs, and the next two ballgames will be the most important games of the whole year. We're watching the scoreboard. We need help right now to get into the playoffs.

After you lose the first game of a series, the pressure is really on to win the next two. This team stepped up and focused and stayed consistent.

Actually, I thought I threw the ball decently. I just felt in good conscience I wasn't going to be able to turn it up to that next level. I'd say my velocity was anywhere from 92 to probably 96 mph. But that's not as consistent as I need to be to face the competition we're going to have. I couldn't in good conscience go out there and put myself into that situation.

This kid is destined for greatness. If they stay with him, and he's on teams that get him to the playoffs, he's the next Mariano Rivera , without a doubt. Ever see the hitters' faces when they come up to hit against him? They're just hoping to find one ball they might put in play. He needs to remember that now.

I hope they allow him to go out and face that guy the next time. He might give up another home run -- but I doubt it. In fact, I'd take that to the bank. This kid is destined for greatness. If they stay with him, and he's on teams that get him to the playoffs, he's the next Mariano Rivera , without a doubt. Ever see the hitters' faces when they come up to hit against him? They're just hoping to find one ball they might put in play. He needs to remember that now.

I just didn't feel like I was ready yet. I didn't feel like I could, in good conscience, go out and try to push myself to that next level in early March. It's something that could turn out and I could hurt myself, and that's something I want to stay away from, because I want to go out there and do what's right for me and my future.