It's clear that Eric Gagne either is going through a verrrrry rocky stretch or that he just can't cut it in Boston. I'd have to think it's the former. But since Gagne's acquisition, the Sox bullpen has gone from the best in the majors to one of the worst. Five appearances, four of which he's allowed runs in, and a 15.75 ERA since coming to the Sox.
Sometimes, the best move is the one you don't make. I'm not sure that's the case here; I have to admit I was pretty pumped when the deal was announced, but the proof is in the pudding. He single-handedly blew two games this weekend. OK, Okajima wasn't stellar last night, but I'll cut him a break.
It wouldn't be as much of a concern if the Yankees weren't playing so damn well. But now they're only four out and coming hard. I still think the Yankees difficult schedule and the Red Sox easy schedule for the remainder of the season will vault the Sox to win the division, but damn, you've got to think the Sox would have more than a four game lead right now if Gagne wasn't on the team.
Worst case, end of the world scenario: the Yankees continue playing .750 ball and the Red Sox not only don't win the division, they're left to watch the playoffs in October. The rants of a crazy madman you say? The Sox are only 4 games up in the WILD CARD race right now. Again, I still think they're going to win the division, but their place in the post-season is not yet set in stone.
Julie Henderson
DeLeah Caro
Heisman Moments: Closest Finishes
Back in Time: November 24
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Here's the good news.. Yankess are just four games back of the Sox. Here's the bad news, Yankees are just four games back of the Sox. How did this happen? It looks like the Sox in a rush to beat the Yanks to Gagne became the Yanks and over spent on an aging reliever with a history of arm trouble in exchange for a top pitching prospect Gabbard. Looks like the Sox outsmarted themselves as if they left the proven formulaic relief in place, Okajima and Pappelbon close out the two wins Gagne screwed up and the Sox are up by six and not the slim four. Sox fans gotta admit that they're squeezing their pencils a little tighter this morning at the office as the Yanks look to move up on them even more this week. Septemeber's series between the Yanks and Red Soxs looks like it may have meaning afterall.
Bootsy-Tom-Collins
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I agree with Bootsy-Tom-Collins. Eric Gagne has turnd into Eric Gag-ME !
I was at oriole park in the upper deck when Miggy Tejada hit the game tying homer of Gagne. Nothing pleased me more than to see thousands of Sox fans that invaded oriole park go home silenced and heartbroken. Gagne sucks, and he'll be the blame if the Sox nevr get to the playoffs.
X-Games &…
Total Comments (117)
This post could've been written last night...Gagne blew it AGAIN, this time even bigger. This Rent-for-the-Run move was a classic old Yankee ploy, and it's blown up in Boston's face. Maybe it's mental, maybe it's physical...but how many more chances is he going to get for the Sox to answer that question?
Yankee64
Total Comments (6746)
Gange blew it again tonight. The need to take him out back and beat him with a wet hose. He is going to blow it and he will be driven out of new england for sure.
jhoagland1983
Upper Marlboro , MD
Total Comments (1)
Boston NEVER needed Gagne. Boston had the #1 bullpen in the majors WITHOUT Gagne.
I put this on Epstein. He spent money he didnt need to spend on a player we didnt need. And now, this guy is blowing games we do need.
Mac is the Demon of…
Fort Hood, TX
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