Dodgers Need to Plan the Post-Gagne Era
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by user 66.24.244.96
Let me start off by saying this. I love Eric Gagne. I love everything about the guy, from his heart, passion, desire, and enthusiasm for the game. Best closer in the business when he's on his game, bar none. Not even Rivera, Lidge, Hoffman, or Wagner can touch his stuff. He gave to the Dodgers a swagger and a reason to believe they could contend with anybody in the league if he gets the ball. He meant that much to the Dodgers.
But, the time has come for the Dodgers to enter the Post-Gagne Era.
I hate saying that. I really do. But it's the right thing to do. The latest reports on his elbow are not good, as he's still feeling plenty of discomfort. He had surgery last year on his right elbow, hoping that this year he would be able to be his old self again. He pitched in Spring Training and got hurt. He was DL'd to start the year, then made a comeback. He dominated in the minors, then pitched in 2 games, picking up a save against the Mets. All was looking good again. Except that after that Mets game, he complained about feeling discomfort again. His fastball was low 90s, hardly what he's capable of hitting on the clock. So, once again, he's DL'd.
With the latest news that he doesn't seem to be getting better, the Dodgers need to plan for next year and beyond without Eric the Great. It's simply too hard to rely on a guy with arm problems, especially if he's a closer. Look, I'm not devaluing a closer's effectiveness or role on a team. But when closers only pitch less than half a year at about an inning a night, they're not worth overpaying for. Particularly one that has a recent history of arm problems. The money would be well spent elsewhere.
At first, the reports said he'd miss about 2 to 3 weeks of action. A little more than a week later, the news is that he's not getting any better. This is why it's so hard to count on him at this point. For whatever reason, his elbow is shot and will probably never be completely healed. Without him at his maximum strength, he becomes expendable. The Dodgers need to lick their wounds and move on.
I hope I'm wrong. I hope he really is back in a couple weeks and becomes the old Gagne. But we've heard that before, and it has yet to happen. Face it folks, his arm is not at all what it used to be. Call it overuse, call it rushing back too soon from injury, or call it bad luck. It doesn't matter, because his career is in serious jeopardy.
So what should they do now? Well, they have one guy who looks like a Gagne clone: Jonathan Broxton. He's only a rookie this year, but has shown great stuff in a small amount of time. With his overpowering stuff, he becomes an immediate candidate. The closer-for-now, Takashi Saito, has done a tremendous job in a shaky bullpen. He hasn't given up a run in over a month, and is 4-4 in save opportunities. Then there's Yhency Brazoban, who's currently out for the year with Tommy John surgery. He had 21 saves last year, but was inconsistent for the most part. The year before, he took over Guillermo Mota's setup role and was awesome. Like Broxton, he has a great fastball and can overpower hitters. Danys Baez has closed games in the past, but has pretty much fallen apart this year. Since he's a free agent after this season, I doubt he'll be brought back.
Maybe I'm wrong, but I think the best thing for Gagne to do is shut it down for the rest of the year again. At 30-years-old, he still would have years left on him if he can ever rehab his elbow properly. But as far as returning to the "Game Over" status he's had in the past, I really think those days are long gone. The Dodgers need to realize this, and move on themselves.
http://www.aaronwaymire.blogspot.com
Date
Sat 06/24/06, 9:54 am EST
