Its been two and a half years since Eric Gagne has been able to toe the rubber for the Los Angeles Dodgers while being completely healthy. He’ll get his chance again this year, only this time it will be in Arlington, Texas. Gagne and the Rangers finalized a one year deal worth $6 million dollars, with incentives escalating up to an extra $5 million. He has also been named the Rangers closer, replacing Akinori Otsuka and moving Otsuka into the set-up role.
The big question of course is the health of Gagne’s arm, which has flared up continuously over the past few years. Theres no doubt that if he is healthy, he is filthy. From 2002 to 2004, Gagne was the best in baseball, including a 2003 year in which he racked up 55 saves and posted a godly 1.20 ERA. Best known for his eye goggles and a hat that looks like it got run over by a tractor, Gagne could be the bargain of the offseason. His 98 mph fastball combined with his changeup that can drop down into the low 70’s make him one of the best relievers in baseball when healthy. Whether he can remain healthy is the $6 million dollar question.
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Gagne is a tool. Canadians should be ashamed.