Newsday’s Jim Baumbach breaks down Billy Wagner’s 1050 ESPN Radio interview yesterday and grabs a few interesting quotes and observations.

Baumbach wrote that Billy said he and others approached Oliver Perez before Wednesday’s game and told him they needed length.

“If he goes out there and battles and comes up short, you know what, we’re not going to have a problem with that,” he said. “But you have to battle. You have to go out there and find a way.”

“I’m probably the least favorite guy in the clubhouse,”

Wagner expects Mets manager Willie Randolph to request a private meeting before the yesterday’s flight.

“I want to win and I know everyone in that clubhouse wants to win,” Wagner said, “but sometimes you’ve got to say something. You might have to stir the pot.”….I’ll be in the locker room, and if Oliver wants to say something, fine. I love the kid … If he gets mad at Billy Wagner for saying this and then goes out there and wins ballgames, great. I’m all for it.”

“I have no problem with someone coming over and saying they didn’t like what I said or why I said it. But when you sit with him and say, ‘We need this; we need you to step up right here’ and guys are coming to him saying, ‘Hey, I see this’ and he’s not responding, then you know what, if this — – you off, if you don’t want me to say anything, then go out there and pitch and compete.”

I think this is good, there are plenty of even keel personalities on the Mets to offset Billy’s approach here. Even Peterson could find a middle ground with Ollie if Wagner’s remarks are somehow counterproductive with Perez’s personality or psyche. Some in the media disagree with a pitcher taking on a leadership role. But I think a closer, rather than a starter, is in there almost daily and can be looked upon as a “regular”. Plus, just about a week ago Eddie C pointed towards Johan Santana disappearing in the clubhouse and with the investment the Mets have in him he should, according to Eddie “be more vocal and take on more leadership”. Well, like it or not this is “leadership”, but from Wagner. I’m curious to hear if Willie does have some sort of meeting and what, if anything comes of it.