Billy Wagner Talking Retirement

After coming to the Boston Red Sox this season Billy Wagner made 17 appearances out of the bullpen and posted a 1.72 ERA. It was exactly the type of performance Wagner needed to help his chances of finding a closer's job somewhere in 2010, which is what he had been saying he wanted to do. Preferably one near his Virginia home.

Well after allowing two runs in the eighth inning of Boston's loss to end their season on Saturday, it sounds like Wagner is changing his tune. When asked about what his plans were for next season on Monday Wagner implied that he's planning to retire.

"I don't plan on talking to nobody," Wagner said, when asked where he might pitch next season.

Does that mean retirement?

"Why wouldn't I?" he said. "I've got nothing else to [accomplish]."

Which isn't entirely true as Wagner is only 15 saves shy of 400 in his career, and that is one of the reasons he gave earlier this season for wanting to return in 2010. Now Wagner says the 400 save mark is just "dust in the wind."

Though you have to wonder if it's possible that after letting the sting of being swept out of the first round of the playoffs wears off in the coming weeks, Wagner will change his mind. Which is a theory his agent Bean Stringfellow -- greatest name ever? -- echoed.

"Those comments probably came right after the Red Sox lost, so I'd bet they were said in the heat of the moment, when he was very frustrated," said Stringfellow a few minutes ago over the phone. "That's probably not the best time to take comments like that as gospel.

"That's not what Billy has told me or indicated to me about next year. That's not to say that he couldn't, but he's given me no indication that he will retire. Certainly I am moving towards him playing next year."

And there's no way a man named Bean Stringfellow would lie to you.