THURSDAY, 8:23am: Via Twitter, Yahoo's Tim Brown adds the Rockies, Dodgers, and Blue Jays as other clubs that will watch Gagne throw.
WEDNESDAY, 2:43pm: ESPN's Jayson Stark talked to Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr., who downplayed the Gagne tryout: "We don't have any expectations, at all."
8:19am: After being released by the Brewers in March of last year, Eric Gagne hooked on with a Can-Am League team as a starter. He tallied 102.6 mediocre innings, and now hopes to find his way back to the bigs.
Today David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News passes along a segment from Montreal radio station CKAC in which Gagne indicated he has a throwing session scheduled with the Phillies today. The 34-year-old hasn't done much since his 33.3-inning stint with Texas in '07.
Peter
Haha Good luck with that
jdub220
So Gagne’s logic: 102.6 “mediocre” innings in a Can-Am league = major league success?
Of course.
Devern Hansack
If he signs with the Phillies, I sure hope he starts a game during the interleague series with Boston.
derek82
isn’t 33.3 inning stint the same thing as saying he pitched 34 innings?
darthbusey
If he pitched two thirds of an inning more, then yes, it would be the same thing.
Devern Hansack
Tim wrote “102.6 mediocre innings” earlier in the post, so 33.3 innings in similar notation is 33 1/3 innings.
derek82
thank guys
Fangaffes
Only in base 3.
darthbusey
Let’s see…it’s January 20th now.
If he starts cycling today, he can be ready to go for Opening Day.
Yay!
Muggi
Gagne said in the earlier article that he’s willing to sign a minor-league deal…and that’s all he’ll get from the Phillies.
Lidge’s performance last season scared the crap out of the team (as it should have), they’re just shotgunning for a dependable guy.
Iceknight1
I saw Gagne Throwing in Can-Am League. First, not underestimate this level. Many players have more experience than AA. Second he pitched almost a no-no during the season. His major problem was during his first five games because he need adjustment from reliever to starter. Need to changed his approach against some situations. His last game during the final was amazing. But i dont think he is ready to return in a majors as a starter. Next week Rockies and Dodgers want to see him throw. After i saw him last year and after i saw his performance with Texas Rangers when almost nobody want to sign him, i will never underestimate his character.
mickden56
Duckworth, Gagne…what is this, 2002?
Gumby65
Wouldn’t mind him at least going to camp with Dodgers, if nothing more than to share insight with Broxton on items that doesn’t include needles, shaving and perhaps laundry…
myname_989
Ouch, Ruben. Harsh. Lol
Guest 690
IF the Dodgers sign it will be for PR reasons. The guy would be last on the Bullpen depth chart.
Jim M
“The 34-year-old hasn’t done much since his 33.3-inning stint with Texas in ’07.”
Well now, I wouldn’t say that… since then, he nearly screwed up the Red Sox postseason by a horrible performance in the ALCS and had 65 horrible innings with the Sox and the Brewers in the regular season. And surely, that must count for something?
However, if the Phillies are trying to get the most unreliable bullpen in the majors- a set of 2007 Gagne and 2009 Lidge repeat performances would be an excellent start.
vivagermany
The dude had to change the shape of his cap to make his glasses look cooler… that alone makes him worthy of a contract SOMEWHERE.
tntnhhs
if phils sign him the second pitch he throws in the minors he blows out his juiced up elbow
vivagermany
To be fair, the first pitch he throws is going to look REALLY good.
bomberj11
I like how part of his name has the word, Gag, in it.
flumesalot
Oddly enough, that part is pronounced “GONE”
coachofall
Maybe they can bring in Bonds to PH, Clemens to Throw a few out of the pen to go with Gagne….Create the all-time Juicer team. Hell do what you can to get Papi to back up Howard and Manny to platoon with RAAAUUUUUULLL
jrollpatrol08
a washed-up righty? the phils bullpen has one left-handed pitcher–JC romero. and he barely played last year due to suspension/injury and hes still rehabbin from that injury. probably wont be ready for opening day. phils need a lefty. period. just a situational guy would be fine by me, but i dont even know who’s left out there
rpriske
Eeee… part o fme wants to see the Jays give the Canadian boy another shot.
The more rational part of me says STAY AWAY!
ivdown
My sentimental side really wants the Dodgers to sign him. Do the same we did for Mota and Weaver last year. It may not work, but give him a minor league contract and invite to ST and just see how he does.