The Most Underrated Reliever in the Game Right Now...
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by user Romiezzo
Eric Gagne is, by far, the most underrated relief pitcher in the game, in my opinion. Even though his team, the Texas Rangers, are in last place, I figured that since no one is talking about him, I'll start.
There is all this talk about who the best comeback player is: Gary Sheffield, Fausto Carmona, Hideki Matsui, but there is absolutely no recognition of Eric Gagne since his injury last year. People have talked about how Ken Griffey Jr. is coming back in the all-star game. That's great, but there's one guy who was not even on the ballot for the final vote, even though he's doing so well with a 1.11 ERA, 21 strikeouts in 24 1/3 innings, and has yet to blow a save (10 for 10, which is a low number because the Rangers have only 35 wins right now, which is second worst in the American League, and tied for fourth in the Majors).
There is all of this talk about Hideki Okajima, Jonathan Papelbon, J.J. Putz, Trevor Hoffman, and just about any closer that is decent, and there is absolutely nothing given to Gagne. There is all of this talk about Mark Teixeira, Michael Young, and Sammy Sosa, even though they're one of the worst teams in baseball right now, but no recognition for Gagne and what he does. All of the sudden, 83 consecutive saves means nothing to us anymore. I just wanted to say that and refresh everyone's memory. Not only is he a good candidate for the AL Comeback Player of the Year, but he is also the guy on the Rangers who deserves a lot more respect and recognition.
