Rangers Sign Eric Gagne

Wow. 8 million dollars off basically a good track record. And he didn't even have to show off for the scouts. Shows you how bad teams need relievers.

If Gagne is getting 8 million because he used to be really good, how much is Sammy Sosa going to ask for?

what was Akinori Otsuka stats from last year because i thought he was solid closer so why whould they go after gagne who is a big risk

Sorry, but the article only says that the Rangers have offered Gagne 1/$8. It does not say that he has accepted the offer.

The first paragraph suggests only that he may go to Texas, not that he will go to Texas.

Oh, well that's hopeful news for Indians fans. I take back the F.

Although 1/$8M is more than the reported $6M he was offered earlier, which at this point would make it the highest bid. Unless, of course, that's $8M without incentives.

If Gagne takes $8M guaranteed over a possible $11M after incentives, I think that would be a clear signal of what he thinks of his rehab thus far.

Otsuka got "hit pretty good" to the tune of 55 hits in 62.2 IP his 2nd season - including just 3 homers. His bigger problem was the walks.

Unless they're getting a great return, I can't understand why the Rangers would want to pay 4x as much for a guy who likely wont be as effective.

He also only pitched in 5 games during September because of migraines caused by the weather in TX. The Rangers have a deep bullpen should Gagne not be able to return close to his dominant form and Aki is a good trade chip. This team still needs a middle of the order bat and some starting pitching. A package starting with Aki can fill one of those holes.

"If Gagne takes $8M guaranteed over a possible $11M after incentives, I think that would be a clear signal of what he thinks of his rehab thus far."

Good point, if he so confident about his health and his ability, what's so bad about an incentive contract?

I really like this deal, about as much as I liked the lofton move. 8 million is a lot but the Rangers aren't risking a lot here-
if he sucks- tom hicks lost 8 mil
if he's gagne of 02- a steal that could be traded for young arms and bats or they could try and retain him, whatever.
Too bad they still need two SP's and atleast one big corner OF bat...

Well ignore all that incentives talk I had earlier.

"Too bad I'm not left-handed, and I don't know how to pitch."

which precisely explains why these guys are getting what they're getting.

There's nothing foolish about a one year deal. Really, should they have just kept the money for profit instead of taking a crack at Gagne? No one knows if he will return to his old form, but if he does, this is an absolute bargain. Why not take a chance?

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6265388

The Astros have acquired right-hander Jason Jennings from the Rockies, FOXSports.com has learned.

The Rockies will receive center fielder Willy Taveras and right-handers Jason Hirsh and Taylor Buchholz for Jennings and right-hander Miguel Asencio, major-league sources said.

hahahaha what a terrible trade... just imagine if they dont even sign Jennings... and if I'm Jennings, I ask for the moon. With the contracts players are getting now, a year in the NL before hitting the market should get him a VERY nice payday

Jesus. The Astros are crazy. Hirsh is probably worth as much as Jennings.

isn't jennings in his walk year?

Yep... That why this deal is so crazy.... I couldn't see this deal ever working under any circumstance, but if Jennings had retainability at say 3MM or 4MM a year for a few years then it might not be so horrible..... The Astros were real desperate...

is gange going to play "welcome to the jungle" in texas?