Minaya's being forced to poney up...

"White Sox acquired 1B Jim Thome and cash considerations from the Phillies for OF Aaron Rowand, LHP Daniel Haigwood and LHP Gio Gonzalez."

"The Blue Jays have agreed to terms with free agent RHP B.J. Ryan on a 5-year deal worth 47 million dollars."

Ohh boy... So the Phillies free up some money (about 8 million a year) and the Blue Jays steal both the Mets and Phillies backup closer plan in Ryan (okay, they didn't exactly "steal" him). As soon as the Phillies traded Thome, they upped their offer to Wagner all the way to 3 years for 36 million dollars. The Mets currently have a 3 year deal worth 32 million on the table, with an option for a 4th year. The Mets need to up their offer, and they probably will. You can expect Omar to send the fax over with 4-years for 46/48 million dollars within the next few days. Let the race begin!