Billy Wagner

On how the Mets successfully wooed him before he signed with them in November

They had to win over [my wife] Sarah by showing her that this is a family organization. They included her, they talked to her, and they wanted her opinion. My wife's the opposite of me--she's someone everybody likes, and she's very quiet. Not like me, the guy everybody thinks is a jerk.

On his favorite New York City food

Pasta, from Little Italy. I've never had a bagel--my usual breakfast is an egg sandwich--but if I did, I'd probably have one with cream cheese and jelly.

On saying last July that his Phillies had "no chance of making the playoffs"

I would never have said that in the media before talking to my teammates. I talked to every one of them, and every one said, "You know what? You're right. Something's got to be done." Obviously things changed after that. [The Phillies finished one game out of the wild card.] Whether I was wrong or whether I was right, we made a good run for the playoffs. I stand up for what I believe in.

On his request for a no-trade clause

I want the security and stability to have my family with me and to know where we're going to be. Having that security allows you to be closer [as a family]. We got a house in Connecticut, and we'll put the kids [William, 7; Jeremy, 5; and Olivia, 2] in school there.

On New York City life

I'll be playing ball. I'm not going to have much time to do things. I'm not excited about the traffic. I told [ Mets pitcher] Tom Glavine that he's welcome to drive and I'll drive in with him. I'm just a country boy, but I can fit in.