Thursday, May 28, 2009

Game Over Over Again?

From "Eric Gagne would welcome a return to the Dodgers" by Bill Shaikin at LA Times:

Eric Gagne, who will pitch for an independent team in Quebec this summer in the hope of resurrecting a career that has faded since he left the Dodgers three years ago, said he would welcome an opportunity to rejoin the Dodgers this season.

"I'd love to," Gagne said. "I always loved L.A." [...]

His baseball roots are with the Dodgers, and he said he follows the team closely.

"It's the first score I look at," he said. "It's unbelievable how they're playing. I didn't expect that while Manny [Ramirez] is gone."

Although this is as non-newsworthy as you can get—NEWSFLASH: Person seeking job would like job!—the possibility of Gagne in the Dodgers bullpen still intrigues. But this is what Vin Scully would call us fans watching with our hearts and not our eyes. After all, weren't we saying the same thing about Pedro Martinez a few months back? Let's get Kuroda and Manny back first. Then we'll worry about filling holes.

16 comments:

PenosCabell said...

Hey, misseur Gagne, you ever heard the term "game over"? It's over for you.

Steve Sax said...

I think I want to keep my memories of Gagne right where they are. Return tours of duty rarely seem to work out that well (see: Guillermo Mota). Right, Orel?

(Though Randy Wolf is proving me wrong.)

PenosCabell said...

Steve Sax - You're absolutely right.

Loney Fan said...

I LOVED Gagne but with the very likely possibility he took roids and his absolute failure since he left the Dodgers I don't want to see him come back just to fail.

Chappy said...

Sounds fabulous, as long a Gagne' is willing to pitch for free.

aj said...

How much better would have "Eastbound and Down" been if it was based on Gagne's career?

Steve Sax said...

LF, I'm right with you. I loved Gagne too--it really was something special at the Stadium when he came out for the ninth during the save streak.

Steve Sax said...

Here's Jayson Stark's useless information department column, following the 84-save streak by Gagne.

Dusto_Magnifico said...

nah, no thanks. I dont mind the reunion thing idea. It is always nice to have someone to root for. I want a guy on the mound that I can have confidence in. Not Mota. It looks like Gagne and Mota were shooting each other up before the 8th and 9th innnings respectively. We still have options in the penn that have some kind of a track record to look forward to. Ohman has been better his last few outings, hopefully Wade gets his velocity back, and Leach has been a nice addition except for one outing.

dome234 said...

No Thanks.

1. Mitchell Report
2. Scott Boras
3. Been mediocre at best since he left.

rbnlaw said...

Sign him as a "nutritional consultant."

Orel said...

"How much better would have 'Eastbound and Down' been if it was based on Gagne's career?"

But who would play April?

rbnlaw said...

Reading the "Useless Information," it really stands out how good he was while on the juice. Too bad that taints what he did; what Clemens did; what others have done.

I never thought I'd feel that way, but with Gagne, the 'roid effect sticks out like a white suit after Labor Day.

kroxx said...

Gagne... You know when you start bouncing around team to team, your career is probably over.

Speaking of Vin Scully, I just read on a blog (Keith Olbermann) that mentioned that Scully almost became the voice of the Yankees. Holy carp!

aj said...

"But who would play April?"

Some hot French-Canadian model who convinces him to start doing yoga? THE SERIES WRITES ITSELF!! ;D

Josh S. said...

Back as a pitcher? No thanks.

Back as a former player who works as part of the Dodger family (charity appearances, etc.)? Sure!