HOUSTON -- Houston Astros closer Billy Wagner has rejected a three-year, $25 million contract offer from the team.

	Billy Wagner Relief Pitcher Houston Astros Profile
	2001 SEASON STATISTICS GM W L Sv K ERA 64 2 5 39 79 2.73

"You could say we are at a stalemate," Wagner said. "What they've offered me is not adequate at today's prices and for my performance."

The team and Wagner could end up in salary arbitration if the impasse isn't settled.

On Wednesday, Wagner rejected the team's $24 million deal, with a $1 million buyout clause if the team doesn't pick up his option for a fourth year at $8 million.

Wagner wants the deal to guarantee a fourth year with the team.

The Astros have been hesitant to offer four-year contracts to pitchers since Doug Drabek and Greg Swindell signed for a combined $36.5 million in 1992. Neither was able to continue his past success with the Astros.

"I haven't gone and asked for the moon or something outrageous," Wagner said. "I'm not asking to be the highest paid. All I'm asking is to be treated fairly."

Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker would not confirm a breakdown in talks with Wagner.

"Negotiations are never easy," Hunsicker said. "We do have another year before Billy becomes a free agent."

Wagner has posted 30 or more saves during three of his last four seasons with the Astros. He set a franchise record of 39 saves in 1999 and matched that in 2001. His 146 career saves are second in the team's history to Dave Smith's 199.

While he would like to remain with the Astros, where Wagner has played his entire career, he says if he has to, he'll look elsewhere.

"I'd be crazy not to at least look at the market and see what's out there," he said.