Eric Gagne to tryout with Philadelphia Phillies
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It might not be ‘Game Over’ for Eric Gagne.
The three-time all-star closer, who played his best years with the Dodgers, told a Quebec radio station today that he has a tryout with the Philadelphia Phillies.
‘I’m very excited to have this chance,’ Gagne told CKAC sports according to the Philadelphia Daily News. ‘There are many players that I know well on that team including [former Dodgers outfielder] Jayson Werth.’
Gagne, who holds the record for most consecutive saves with 84, went 6-6 with a 4.65 ERA with the Quebec Capitales of the Canadian-American League last year. He was the most dominant closer in baseball from 2002 to 2004 before lingering elbow and back injuries limited him to 16 relief appearances in 2005 and 2006.
Gagne’s last season in the majors was in 2008 with the Milwaukee Brewers.
While Gagne may be a longshot to make the Phillies, his tryout opportunity stems from injuries to the Philadelphia bullpen. Closer Brad Lidge and reliever J.C. Romero have had surgery this offseason and might not be ready in time for the start of the season.
-- Austin Knoblauch
