From BRIAN LEWIS

Impending elbow surgery and 12-month recovery has Billy Wagner rethinking his plan to retire after his contract with the Mets expires at the end of next season, he said today. Speaking to the media for the first time since learning he would be out until late 2009 with a torn ligament in his left (pitching) elbow, Wagner said he is not ready for his career to end this way.

The tearful 37-year-old said his oldest son is the motivation to have the surgery, rehabilitate, and return to the major leagues — even if it’s not for the Mets.

Wagner is under contract with the Mets through 2009, with a team option for 2010. He is expected to be sidelined until late next September, which is Wagner’s target to return.