Here is an ridiculous idea

by slitheringslider on Nov 18, 2006 8:32 AM EST

Here is an idea, albeit a ridiculous one.

Sources say that the Dodgers are willing to let Eric Gagne go as they have Takashi Saito and Jonathan Broxton in the wings ready to take over as Closer.

The question is, what is Eric Gagne going to make in the open market these days, after 2 injury riddle season? Another question is, would he be interested in settling for something less than being a closer?

If Gagne is at all interested in playing in his motherland, the Jays might be able to sign him to an incentive based 1-year deal that will let him serve as B.J. Ryan's setup man. If healthy, he is certainly an upgrade over Speier and will probably come cheaper than Speier this offseason.

How feasible/unfeasible is this idea? And who do you think would be some potential suitors for Gagne? I think the Red Sox can be potential suitors for the Red Sox since they are currently closerless with Papelbon moving to the rotation. A healthy Gagne will do more than enough to fill that hole.

Regardless, Gagne will be a player I will be tracking during this offseason, no matter how little press he is getting.

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I think

that even with the injuries, Gagne will get big money to sign somewhere, and I'm sure he wants to go somewhere he can be a closer, which he probably will have the opportunity to do. now that the angels signed speier, i bet boston signs gagne.

I think the Jays are going to need to save their money to get a middle infielder who can play solid d and OPS .725. Unless they plan on giving Adams another shot as a regular, either at 2nd or short. they are also going to need to resign Zaun, with few catchers available and no one in the Jays farm system ready to step up. they could try to make a trade, (maybe Saltamacchia or Mathis?) but those guys are unproven. and mathis' star has dimmed considerably.

I still think we may see V-dub moved to the Angels for a prospect or three. they need him pretty badly, and right-handed power just became something the Jays have a comfortable amount of. If that happens, we may see the Cat re-upped as well.

"Let us go forth awhile, and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms... The game of ball is glorious." - Walt Whitman

by hugo on Nov 19, 2006 5:51 PM EST reply actions

Interesting

Sounds like a good idea but I agree with hugo that some team will take a risk on Gagne and fork over the dough. Maybe Gagne would be willing to come to Toronto for cheap but there is definetly a team out there that is willing to take him as a closer. BTW I think this is recent, just heard that Cat signed with Texas today. P.S. Keep Wells!!!

by bluejayleaffan on Nov 19, 2006 11:47 PM EST reply actions

Worth the risk

if Wood can get a deal to become a reliever Gagne should be fine. I find Toronto's BP to be rather weak after Ryan so it wouldn't be an awful risk if they tried. I didn't care when they signed Koch to the 900k deal and released him.

Go Jays!!!!

by achengy on Nov 21, 2006 1:21 AM EST reply actions