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

HOUSTON -- Billy Wagner agreed Wednesday to a $27 million, three-year contract with the Houston Astros that makes him among the highest-paid relievers in baseball.

Wagner gets $8 million in each of the next three seasons. Houston has a $9 million club option for 2005 with a $3 million buyout.

Talks had broken down last month when Wagner sought to have the fourth year of the contract guaranteed.

"I don't think either side ever thought there was any doubt we were going to get this done," Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker said.

Wagner, 30, said he's more interested in helping the Astros win their first World Series than continuing to pad his statistics as one of the game's most dominant closers.

"With the young guys we have ... we have an opportunity each and every year to get to the playoffs," Wagner said.

The deal allowed Wagner and the Astros to avoid salary arbitration, a process Hunsicker openly loathes.

The $9 million average annual value of the contract is second among regular relievers to the Yankees' Mariano Rivera, who is in the second season of a four-year deal averaging $9,997,500. John Smoltz, who agreed to a $30 million, three-year contract with Atlanta, would top the list if he remains in the bullpen, where he was shifted late last season.

Wagner, who would have been eligible for free agency after the 2002 season, has had 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. He missed three and a half months of the 2000 season after undergoing surgery for a partially torn flexor tendon in his left elbow.

Wagner, who was ineffective that season before the injury was disclosed, credited Houston fans for supporting him through good times and bad.

"Instead of booing they were cheering me on and trying to build me up, so they have taken to me just like I've taken to them," Wagner said, noting his family is happy the matter is resolved.

Owner Drayton McLane Jr., who was involved in the negotiations, was beaming as the team announced it was keeping one of its most popular players.

"Billy, you add excitement and lift the crowd as you come in in the ninth inning ... and it gives us all a comfortable feeling to see you charge in from the bullpen," McLane said, calling Wagner a "cornerstone" alongside longtime stars Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio.

Wagner's 146 career saves are second in the team's history to Dave Smith's 199.