Is it just money?

by Mike Ketchen

www.thebaseballfix.blogspot.com

I have written about the Eric Gagne signing and how I felt. It has been a few days since the signing has gone official and there are mixed feelings around the league in regard to the signing. The one negative I seem to keep hearing from those against it though is the ten million investment. Now I can see arguing about the fact that it makes up a substantial amount of the Brewers payroll. However, what was a better risk vs. reward given the market for relievers? Considering the fact that most of the Brewers everyday lineup along with rotation is set they are no in the market for either. Next Doug Melvin knew he has a team that can compete in the NL and if Ben Sheets can make 28+ starts they will probably make the playoffs. So the only real question was the bullpen and more over the closer’s role. They failed in there attempts to re-sign Fransisco Cordero and although Derek Turnbow can be dominant for stretches he can also implode and lose command completely just as often. So now let’s asses Melvin’s options considering he has a legit shot at being a player in the NL. The two biggest closers both locked up for four years and big money (Rivera, Cordero) then there was a class of names with more question marks then Gagne. Names like Dotel, Benetiz and Kim. The one intresting name was Troy Percival, however if you are on the cusp of winning your division can you really put all your eggs in the basket of a guy who was retired from elbow problems just 12 months earlier?

Again I think the fact that they gave up nothing for Gagne except money should not be overlooked. He was at least effective last year in Texas before coming to the Red Sox, keep in mind also that he was asked to set-up on Sox not close. Even if he does fail in Milwaukee all it will mean is that they are going with Turnbow, which is what would have happened if they didn’t spend on Gagne. There is also the possibility that Gagne finds his stride and starts to lean more on his plus change/split/curve combo instead of gassing guys like Gagne of old. If he does do that then I think the Brewers make out fine. If not hey its just money and it comes off the books next year.