The Game Is Not Over Yet, Eric Gagne Signs With Dodgers

Ken Gurnick of MLB.com is reporting that Eric Gagne has signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The reports have been confirmed by the L.A. Times, ESPN, and many others. The deal is reportedly worth $500,000 if he makes the roster and up to another $500,000 in incentives.

We have heard for months that Gagne has been wanting to make a comeback, and he has been hoping for a reunion with the Dodgers. Well Gagne got his wish, as he is on his way back to the majors, well almost. Here's the deal, Gagne's chances of getting back to the Dodgers bullpen is slim at best.

Gagne faces a mountain of obstacles before he gets a shot at the bigs again. The reality is Gagne is a former steroid user, and it's hard to think he would have found the same success if not for the PED's. It's hard to think Gagne will ever be the same Gagne from 2004. While the idea of hearing "Welcome To The Jungle" blaring throughout Dodger Stadium is a wonderful thought, the reality is it remains very unlikely. It seems as though the Rockies and Dodgers saw something worth pursuing in order to offer a deal to the former Cy Young winner.

Last year he played for the Quebec Capitales of the independent Can-Am League as a starting pitcher. In 17 starts, he went 6-6 with a 4.65 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 102 2/3 innings. Gagne originally was a starter for the Dodgers before moving to the bullpen in 2002. Based on these stats, and assuming a move back to the bullpen is in order, I guess you could say there is a chance he can be effective again. It may be a teeny tiny chance, but it's a chance.

Don't get me wrong I am pulling for Gagne, I really am. I just don't want this to turn into something it's not. If you are expecting to hear "Welcome To The Jungle," and see Game Over lit up everywhere this season, well I regret to inform you that you are probably going to be very disappointed.