Gagne Signs Minor-League Deal With Brewers

Talk about surprises.

Tom Haudricourt is reporting that Eric Gagne signed a minor-league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers and will join the team for Spring Training.

The Brewers just announced that Gagne signed a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring camp. Doug Melvin told us the other day that agent Scott Boras had called about a job for Gagne but Melvin didn't seem that interested.

Obviously, this is a big difference from the Gagne signing of December 2007. Then, he was given a $10 million deal to be the team's closer. Now, he's getting a minor league deal, probably loaded with incentives.

Gagne struggled with the Brewers last season, compiling a 5.44 ERA over 46.1 innings with 7 blown saves.  His peripheral statistics were generally around his career norms, but his home run rate skyrocketed to 2.14 HR/9.

He will be given a chance to earn a spot in the big league bullpen out of camp.  With Carlos Villanueva and Seth McClung, along with a myriad of other high-upside arms, the Brewers appear to be relatively set in the pen.

I suppose you cannot fault Doug Melvin for giving Gagne a chance.  He did prove useful down the stretch, posting a 3.52 ERA in the second half of the season.  Another cheap, low-risk move.

Jim Breen covers all the important news and rumors concerning the Milwaukee Brewers at his site, Bernie's Crew.