Former All-Star closer Eric Gagne went from dominance to being unemployed in the big leagues, but hopes to get another shot at the majors in 2010. (AP Photo)
Once upon a time, three-time All-Star and 2003 NL Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne would enter the game in the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium with the phrase "Game Over" flashing across the scoreboard.
From 2002-04, Gagne converted 84 straight save opportunities -- a Major League Baseball record -- making him the most feared and dominant closer in the game.
The former superstar featured a repertoire of pitches, including a blazing 98 mph fastball, as well as a crafty changeup, which made opposing hitters look foolish at the plate.
He's the all-time leader in Dodger history with 161 saves, and became the fastest pitcher in MLB history to reach the 100-save plateau.
However, the Canadian-born right-hander's career took a terrible downfall when he began suffering major injuries, combined with being listed in the 2007 Mitchell Report for purchasing and receiving HGH shipments from Kirk Radomski.
In 2008, Gagne only converted 10 of 17 save opportunities for the Milwaukee Brewers, forcing manager Ned Yost to demote the $10 million closer to the setup role. His poor performance and high salary didn't sit well with Milwaukee fans, as they labeled him the "ten million dollar mistake."
He posted a 4-3 record with a 5.44 ERA, 10 saves and only 38 strikeouts in 46 1/3 innings -- his worst full season in the majors.
It came as no surprise that Gagne generated no interest on the free-agent market after the 2008 season.
Ultimately, the former All-Star closer had no choice but to sign a minor league deal with the Brewers for the 2009 season. During Spring Training, Gagne was released due to poor performance and a shoulder injury, and elected to sign two months later with the Quebec Capitales of the independent Can-Am League.
The once dominant closer found himself out of the big leagues struggling to hold onto his career by heading north of the border. Rather than pitch as a closer, Gagne converted to a starting pitcher and even served as a player/coach for the Capitales.
Recently, he led his team to the League Championship in September after tossing 102 2/3 innings, striking out 64 in 17 starts.
Now, Gagne wants another shot at pitching in the big leagues.
According to Canadian reports, the 33-year-old Gagne will put his name on the free-agent market this offseason, hoping to spark interest from teams. He reportedly stated his willingness to agree to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training as a non-roster invitee, and possibly start the 2010 season in Triple-A, if necessary.
Although Gagne may want to return to the Dodgers, he could generate some interest from teams looking for bullpen help, considering his low-risk, potential high-reward status.
With the Houston Astros in need of late-inning help, general manager Ed Wade may view Gagne as a tremendous bargain for a team looking to trim payroll.
In 2009, former Astros manager Cecil Cooper and Dave Clark wanted to utilized the trio of Doug Brocail, LaTroy Hawkins and Jose Valverde in the late innings, but critical injuries, especially to Brocail, throughout the season prevented the Astros from executing their plan on a consistent basis.
After declining Brocail's option for 2010, and with Hawkins and Valverde hitting the free-agent market, the Astros have several questions facing their bullpen. Realistically, Wade expects to re-sign Hawkins, but likely won't be able to afford Valverde.
Hawkins has the ability to slide into the closer's role, but makes an ideal setup man.
Wade could target free-agent Detroit Tigers closer Fernando Rodney, who reportedly has interest in the Astros. With several teams looking at Rodney, he likely won't fit within the Astros' budget.
So what does Wade do?
He needs to create options on a limited budget.
Obviously, Gagne isn't the norm, but he's very low risk and the Astros don't have to invest much into signing him. Plus, newly hired Astros manager Brad Mills coached Gagne in 2007 with the Boston Red Sox.
If he works out on a minor league deal, Wade will look like a genius.
On the other hand, if Gagne doesn't shine, the Astros can simply release him during Spring Training or reassign him to Triple-A Round Rock to start the 2010 season.
Prior to this season, the Astros brought former Cincinnati Reds All-Star closer Danny Graves to Spring Training as a non-roster invitee, and he didn't make the Opening Day roster.
In regard to Graves, it was a no harm, no foul situation for the Astros.
As the 2010 season approaches, it makes sense for cash-strapped MLB teams to at least give Gagne a shot on a minor league contract, and see what happens.
At 33-years-old, Gagne might have some fuel left in the tank, as long as he can stay healthy. Since the Astros consistently look for bargain players, Gagne fits the profile for a Houston team in need of bullpen help.
In 10 big league seasons, Gagne is 33-26 with a 3.47 ERA, 187 saves and 718 strikeouts over 643 2/3 inning with the Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Red Sox and Brewers.
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