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Washington Nationals: Are They Serious About Eric Gagne?

By Ron Juckett |
February 25, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers guest instructor Eric Gagne during a spring training workout at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
February 25, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers guest instructor Eric Gagne during a spring training workout at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Former closer Eric Gagne is attempting a comeback and the Washington Nationals are interested. Why are they contemplating player who hasn’t pitched in a decade?

The Washington Nationals are checking out former closer Eric Gagne as he attempts a comeback to the major leagues.

Considering he has not thrown at the top level since 2008 and is 41, the only question to ask is why? Why are a World Series contending team wasting resources on an older pitcher that may be ready for mop-up duty this summer?

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Yes, he is pitching for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. Sure, he was the exceptional closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2004. Thirteen years ago.

Since a steroid suspension and lack of effectiveness knocked him out of organized baseball in 2008, he tried a comeback with Quebec City in the Can-American Independent League as a starter in 2009 and shelled in 17 starts. The last two years, he started two games total for two teams and threw nine innings.

How in the world is he ready to be involved in a pennant race?

With Joe Nathan, Matt Albers and Neal Cotts in camp on non-roster invites fighting for maybe one spot, Washington has a collection of “greatest hit singers” yearning for one more hit single. Off another Tommy John surgery, Nathan’s mix of flat fastballs and junk pitches are better suited for a 5th inning reliever, not a closer. Same with Albers and Cotts.

If this is about getting playing time in Syracuse after the WBC, then fine. Gagne’s years of experience can fill a role. Somehow, if they are desperate enough for him to pitch in DC, we are on the verge of a Walt Disney movie or disaster.

Although it sounds harsh, wasting time on someone at the bitter end of their career instead of shaping the pitchers of tomorrow is silly. Gagne has every right to try a comeback. He may not be as hittable as he was at the end of his career. If a coaching career is in his future that makes sense.

Sending De Jon Watson, a top assistant to GM Mike Rizzo, to watch a workout is not a good use of resources. Yes, Watson worked for the Dodgers during Gagne’s salad days. He would know best about mechanics, velocity and such.

The fact it made the press says the Nats at least are considering it. If an old friend is doing a favor for another, no problem. If they are still queasy with their reliever options, we have a problem.

A move like this better fits a team going nowhere. Not one searching to win now. It might be the potential story of the century, but those odds are long.

Next: Takeaway's After First 10 Grapefruit Games

Real long.

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