ROI - Negative Returns
The Red Sox return on investment with Eric Gagne has been negative...like John Henry's hedge funds. Boston gave up 3 players and paid a hefty bonus to Gagne (and his agent Scott Boras) thinking he'd be a shutdown pitcher. Here is his Red Sox game log thus far:
Aug 2 - 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Aug 4 - 1.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Aug 8 - 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Aug 10 - .1 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Gagne imploded Friday night ruining what had been a very impressive late game rally. Gagne certainly doesn't throw as hard as he used to and his K's per 9 are quite a bit lower than in his prime (i.e. before arm problems). With all of this in mind, Gagne probably has struggled most with the idea of not being a closer anymore. They say closers can struggle with non-save situations and Gagne has been placed in 4 straight non-save situations since the Red Sox acquired him.
Gagne absolutely has to figure out how to excel in his 8th inning role or else this trade will end up being a stinker. I assume Gagne will figure things out, but it was disappointing to see him blow the lead Friday. On a more positive note, don't forget the Red Sox will most likely receive 2 first round picks when Gagne signs a long-term deal elsewhere in the off-season as there is not chance he'll stick around being a closer and all.
Comments
I hope he works it out
I hope he will take over the closer spot next year and Pap will start
I hope they hold the lead and go deep into the playoffs
I hope all my hopes are fullfilled
Posted by: blmeanie | August 11, 2007 09:42 AM |
blmeanie, I'm with you on most of that except the Papelbon to the rotation part.
Not that I don't think he'd do a good job there, but from all I've heard from him, he wants to be a closer. If a guy is performing a role that he doesn't like out of absolute necessity, then fine, but if there are other options then I'd prefer to have him play where we know he is effective and where he wants to be.
That being said if Gagne does come back, it will be because he pitches well here. Hopefully.
Posted by: Andy | August 11, 2007 11:42 PM |