Scouting Report

2003 Season
After posting eye-popping numbers in his first season as the Dodgers' closer in 2002, Eric Gagne had a season for the ages last year. Not only did he convert every one of his 55 save opportunities, but he also allowed the lowest batting average (.133) of anyone who has tossed 75 or more innings in a season. He was rewarded after the season with the first Cy Young Award for a reliever since Dennis Eckersley in 1992.


Pitching
Gagne's arsenal begins with a 95-98 MPH fastball. His trademark pitch is a vulcan changeup; he holds it back towards his palm with two fingers on either side of the ball, then gives it a little screwball action. The pitch comes in at slider speed (86-88 MPH) before dropping precipitously near the plate. Last season, Gagne re-introduced a tantalizingly slow curveball into the mix. It floats in at around 70 MPH, and hitters really have no chance when he can get that pitch over. Add the superb command that he has over all three pitches, and there is little wonder as to why Gagne has had so much success.


Defense & Hitting
The former hockey player is a good athlete and has not made an error in the last two seasons. Though his move is just average, Gagne has a compact delivery and the ball gets to the plate in a hurry.


2004 Outlook
If they are not careful, Dodger fans are going to lose their reputation of leaving after the seventh-inning stretch. When the club has a lead heading into the ninth, there is an anticipatory buzz in the stands, which is obliterated by the blaring "Welcome to the Jungle" soundtrack that accompanies Gagne's arrival. Eligible for arbitration for the first time, Gagne will earn big bucks this season, but there is no reason to believe that he will fail to earn them.

Scouting report courtesy of ESPN.com