Red Sox Acquire Billy Wagner From Mets

Billy Wagner is joining the Red Sox.

According to ESPN.com, Wagner waived his no-trade clause at the last minute before Tuesday's trading deadline and will be heading to Boston.

Even more surprising than Wagner changing teams at this point in the season is the fact that he's even pitching. After having Tommy John surgery last year, he was expected to miss the entire season, but he had a quick recovery and returned to the Mets to pitch last Thursday.

This gives the best relief squad in the major leagues another quality arm for a playoff run. Although Jonathan Papelbon has not been his usual, dominating self this season, the Red Sox have gotten quality pitching from Daniel Bard in setting him up.

However, Bard is young and Boston wanted to add some experience to that part of their rotation. This could, however, pose some problems for next year, as Wagner has already stated that he expects to be the closer for whatever team he is on next season.

Was this a good move for Boston? It seems curious that they would go out and spend the money for another reliever when their problems this season have not been in relief. They probably could have used another bat or another starting pitcher more than Wagner.

And was this the right move for Wagner? He did leave a team that had Francisco Rodriguez, a young, dominant closer, but he landed on another that was already grooming Bard for the future. Where does Wagner fit in?