Late Innings

A year ago to yesterday, the Brewers inked the closer of their dreams Eric Gagne to a one year, 10MM deal. He stumbled with the job, saving 10 games, winning 4, while pitching to the ugly tune of a 5.44 ERA, 79 ERA+. Yesterday the Brewers did the same thing, bringing back Gagne, however this time it’s to a minor league contract:

Gagne, a right-handed reliever and once the game’s most dominating closer, agreed on Tuesday to a Minor League contract with Milwaukee … Gagne will earn a $1.5 million base salary if he makes the team, plus up to $3 million more in incentives.

In other words he’ll be making 1.5MM if he makes the team, which is for the most part certain. He won’t be closing thankfully, which is Trevor Hoffman’s job, however if thrown into middle relief duties, he’ll be a serviceable pitcher, even with the glut of candidates that they have available.

In other words, a year ago to yesterday, Gagne signed a two year, 11MM contract. This news reminds me of another pitcher similar to Gagne. In comparing the two:

• Like Gagne, he was signed to a one year deal in 2007 with his new team.
• While Gagne broke out with his new team (16 S, 2.16 ERA, 209 ERA+), this pitcher did just the same (11 S, 3.90 ERA, 120 ERA+.)
• Gagne was dealt to the Red Sox later that summer, and this pitcher was also dealt before the trading deadline for another pitcher (Kyle Davies.)
• After the season, Gagne left Boston for greener pastures, and this pitcher did the same thing, signing a deal with the White Sox.

It doesn’t take too much to know that I’m comparing Gagne to Octavio Dotel, who unlike Gagne had a very solid year for the AL Central champs. Now do I think Gagne will rebound? Of course. I’m curious to see his numbers in the new no-pressure situation, that is unless Hoffman falters.