This past week, the Dodgers announced they will be signing former closer Eric Gagne to a minor league contract worth $500,000 and inviting him to compete for a spot on the major league roster during spring training. But can Gagne still pitch? He certainly hasn't made a very good case for himself over the past five seasons, following his remarkable run with the Dodgers from 2002-2004. He joins the rather lengthy list of players whose careers have taken a turn for the worse in the wake of steroid implications, including fellow Dodger Manny Ramirez. The real question becomes, then, will Gagne return to form, or is his time in baseball finished?
If the Dodgers can get even half of the Eric Gagne of old, he will become a profitable investment. $500,000 is a small risk for a guy who, after a year of reviving his arm in the Canadian leagues, may still have some gas left in the tank. Then again, he may not. But the Dodgers are willing to throw him a bone on the off chance his bite helps solidify their mediocre bullpen. Certainly, the days of the fake beards and the thundersticks and the Guns N' Roses coursing through the stadium's veins are over. Dodger fans should not be overcome by nostalgia, nor should they hold high expectations for the once indefatigable Gagne. Expect little, and hope to be pleasantly surprised. More importantly, give the guy a chance. If he's going to be written off, let him do it to himself, for he still commands enough respect to trigger Ramon Troncoso giving up his jersey number so Gagne can don No. 38 once again.
Only time will tell whose game will really be over.
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