Wagner was asking that the Red Sox cut ties with him after the season with no strings attached (e.g. Opton or arbitration). I guess the Red Sox were more interested in the draft picks than helping this year's team. It was probably going to be just a money move-- no prospects.
I said that the talent gap is less, not that it is gone. Also, Lee has the advantafge of going around the league for the first time. Next year, he will not be as fortunate.