It took just about every hour of the off-season to complete, but David O'Brien of the AJC had this to report on Billy Wagner:
We should finally see retired Billy Wagner come off the #Braves 40-man roster today. Just paper-pushing of course, in time for Opening Day.
Some had held out (false) hope that Wagner would be returning to the Braves in 2011, but that just wasn't happening. He's had a long, prolific career and it's time for the man to spend time with his family. Wagner finished his career with 422 saves, 1196 strikeouts, and 2.31 ERA.
Thank you for a great year in 2010, and happy retirement, Billy. You've earned it.
Update:
More from O'Brien:
#Braves officially released Billy Wagner from 40-man roster, having reached agreement with union that if Wagner decided to come of (retirement)...Wagner could only "un-retire" with Braves in 2011. After 2011 he'd be a free agent, in effect. Frank Wren reiterated Wagner has no immediate plans to come out of retirement.
Well that's interesting. Still don't think he'll be back this year, but you just never know.