Gagne Puts Pinch on Pitchers

Dodger shortstop Greg Gagne doesn’t profess to know the difficulties New York Met pitcher Pete Harnisch is enduring while trying to kick his smokeless tobacco habit, but he can relate.

Gagne quit chewing tobacco a month ago, a habit he had maintained for most of his baseball career. He has had nervousness, anxiety, craving for another dip. But he is thriving.

Gagne had his fourth consecutive multi-hit game Wednesday in a 5-2 victory over the Mets and is batting .320.

“We all have our addictions,” said Gagne, who abused drugs and alcohol while growing up, “but it can be done. I remember I once lost all desire in life. I didn’t care if I lived or died.

“I made it, so can Pete. So can others.”

Harnisch is on the 15-day disabled list, battling depression and insomnia.

Gagne has become an integral part of the offense, particularly considering he normally bats eighth. The Dodgers say he is perfect for the spot. He is aggressive, has occasional power, and has speed.

“I’m pretty much of a free swinger anyway,” Gagne said, “but sometimes I have to swing at bad pitches. With the pitcher up, you’ve got to swing the bat.

“All I’m trying to do is help this team win, and if it means your batting average goes down or whatever, it doesn’t matter. This is a team game.”

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Rookie second baseman Wilton Guerrero’s poise and maturity have been a pleasant surprise in the first two weeks, but he needs to work on his home run trot.

Guerrero sprinted around the bases in the third inning after hitting his first major league home run, just over the fence in right-center.

“That’s OK,” Guerrero said, “to me, it was just like a base hit, anyway. It was just a longer base hit.”

Guerrero hasn’t had much practice with these things. Before Wednesday, he had three homers in 1,816 professional at-bats.

Will Eric Karros teach Guerrero the technique he needs?

“Hey, if we rely on him to hit home runs,” Karros said, “we’re in trouble.”