UPDATE 12-9-07 11:37AM: The AP agrees that Gagne is going to sign a one-year $10M contract. He'll be eligible for up to $1M in incentives. This is a little more than I thought it was going to be, but it's a low-risk, high-reward pick up for the Brewers. If he comes in and pitches lights out, the $10M will not seem like much anymore.
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UPDATE 12-8-07 8:41PM: Doug Melvin has said that a tentative agreement is in place for a one-year deal. Gagne will have to pass a physical before it becomes final.
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Thanks to Robert J. for the tip on this one. It seems like Eric Gagne is, in fact, going to Milwaukee Yahoo Sports confirms. Neither side of the deal is willing to comment or commit that the signing is going to happen, but several sources now confirm that a deal is imminent. My guess is that it will be a one-year deal, as Melvin said that he would not do otherwise.
Eric Gagne had his difficulties in Boston when he lost his command, but he was pitching very well in Texas before the trade. Before the trade deadline, Gagne had a 2.16 ERA in 34 games while converting 16 of 17 save opportunities. That's what the Brewers want. The scary thing is that ERAs usually go down a little bit in the National League. Control issues plagued Gagne in Boston, but that is the first time in his career that was a problem. I expect him to come to Milwaukee ready to deal. Yes, injuries are a big concern, but we have plenty of people now to replace him (Riske, Turnbow, Torres, Mota, etc.)
I really like this move a lot. Melvin continues to impress me with these deals. I distinctly remember him saying people like Dotel and Gagne are "like Christmas presents. They get cheaper in January." By January, he meant after the Winter Meetings and after the arbitration deadline. Melvin avoids the pressures to just "do something" when it does not help his team most. He waits until he gets what he wants, and I hope he can get this deal done right. Hats off to you Mr. Melvin!
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Rumor has it (from an non-cited source) that its going to be one-year for $10M. That seems a little high, but we'll have to see.
I think this move also signifies the end of Chris Capuano's career in a Brewers uniform, the bullpen is stocked, and an innings eater can be used with a younger reliever. I believe that soon we will see a headline regarding Cappy getting traded, which would leave us with a formidable rotation of Sheets, Suppan, Gallardo, Bush, Villanueva, and Vargas to fill in for injury. The bullpen would then consist of some combination of Riske, Turnbow, Shouse, Wise, McClung, Mota, Torres, Gagne and Vargas when he is up on the roster. We then have Manny Parra, Zach Jackson, and Greg Aquino to call up to the roster when injuries set in. I am a believer in not screwing the future to win now, but in this case there are some young arms and Cappy can be moved with someone else to bring us some corner outfield or third base help because that would make the Brewers the favorite.
Capuano seems like a good reclamation project for some other pitching coach. His past record for the Brewers says that he should have some value for someone.
I see Capuano being traded as well, and I can't help but look at Andre Ethier from the Dodgers. They're looking for starting pitching and a power bat...and I could see us trading Cappy and Bill Hall and perhaps a prospect like Mat Gamels for Ethier and a mid-level prospect.
This is a bit off the subject, Jimmy, but here's a M's fan's perspective on a possible swap for Sheets. I've been touting this over at Brew Crew Ball for weeks. What do you think?
http://mvn.com/mlb-mariners/2007/12/03/ben-sheets-to-ms/
I've read that as well, and I just don't see it happening. The Mariners do have the parts to get it done, don't get me wrong. I just don't see Melvin getting rid of his ace. Of course, if Melvin doesn't think we'll be able to sign Sheets after this year and the Mariners offer a lot, this could be another story.
I've heard this rumor many times, and Melvin has always said it's untrue. He's said that he has not talked to ANYONE seriously about Sheets. This could change though, Robert. As always, I'll keep an eye out on it.
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