” I could not be happier that the scumbag is not coming back here.” So opined “Jason”, a reader of Scott Lauber’s Philled In blog for the News-Journal, which earlier today considered just what have prevented Mets reliever Billy Wagner – a day removed from a scoreless inning versus Atlanta in his big league return from ligament surgery — from rejoining the Phillies (ie. neither club nor player is interested)

Ruben Amaro Jr. just confirmed what we already sort of suspected: The Phillies were not the team that placed a claim. Amaro said they don™t have unlimited financial flexibility and can™t afford to pay the $3.7 million remaining on the four-year, $43 million contract that Wagner signed with the Mets before the 2006 season. And that™s a good thing because Wagner said earlier today that he never would waive his full no-trade clause to return to the Phillies. Not for the final month of the season. Not for anything.

œNo, Wagner said. œThat [crap] was hard enough for two years. I can™t imagine a month, coming off Tommy John. At 38, Tommy John, no. They expect way too much.

Thanks to Jason Cohen (no relation…I think) for the link. Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports Wagner’s been claimed on waivers by the Red Sox, which is terrific news for a recovering veteran who’s had his fill of intolerant fans, high expectations, etc. The first time Wags issues four walks in an inning or throws a meatball than ends up on Landsdowne Street, I am confident WEEI’s broadcasters and listeners will be quick to credit his courageous comeback efforts.