The Los Angeles Dodgers rich history isn’t lost on manager Dave Roberts, who welcomes several of the organization’s legendary players into camp during Spring Training. In addition to some paying a visit to Camelback Ranch, others provide instruction to current players.
In the case of former Dodgers closer Eric Gagne, he’s doing a bit of both this spring. Gagne has not only been in uniform to provide mentorship to the pitching staff, but the 41-year-old is also preparing to pitch for Team Canada in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
Coinciding with that, Gagne is mulling a potential MLB comeback. Dodgers Minor League catcher Kyle Farmer, who spent last season with Double-A Tulsa, raved about Gagne after catching a bullpen session, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
Kyle Farmer, after catching Eric Gagne's bullpen session today: "He doesn't look like a 41-year-old and doesn't throw like one. (1)
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 2, 2017
More Farmer on Gagne: "He can throw 93. It has life. And he had a nasty change, right? Well, he still does."
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) March 2, 2017
Gagne has thrown multiple bullpen sessions at Camelback Ranch, some of which have drawn an audience that included Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Farhan Zaidi. On Saturday, Gagne threw a live bullpen session.
He’s reportedly drawn interest from multiple clubs, including the Dodgers. A 30th-round selection in the 1994 Draft, Gagne spent 10 seasons in the Majors.
He recorded 187 career saves with a 3.47 ERA, was a three-time All-Star with the Dodgers, and won the National League Cy Young award in 2003 after converting all 55 of his save opportunities while pitching to a 1.10 ERA.
From 2002-04, Gagne set a Major League record with 84 straight saves. Last season, Kenley Jansen surpassed Gagne on the Dodgers’ all-time saves leader list. For as much as he accomplished, Gagne’s legacy was tainted when his name was included in the 2007 Mitchell Report.
Canada begins pool play on March 9, at 3:00 p.m. PT against the Dominican Public at Marlins Park.
