Gagne Turning Heads, Hoping to Close the Deal

Dodger catcher Paul Lo Duca shook his head and chuckled as the veteran outfielder left the plate muttering in frustration after facing Eric Gagne.

The productive player struck out looking on three pitches against the first-year closer who appears to be developing quickly in his new high-pressure job. Lo Duca has already witnessed many confused looks during Gagne’s fast start, prompting the Dodgers to reevaluate their closer-by-committee plan.

The Dodgers didn’t use Gagne in Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to the Giants at Pacific Bell Park, but they’re confident he’ll be ready when needed.

“He’s throwing pellets and guys are turning around asking me, ‘Where’s this guy been?’ Lo Duca said. “I tell them he’s been here starting for the last couple of years, but what we’re seeing now is a different Eric Gagne.”

That’s what the Dodgers hoped for when they took an unconventional turn and officially made Gagne the closer at the end of spring training although he had no professional experience in the key role. The 26-year-old right-hander was supposed to be eased in slowly, sharing save opportunities with the rest of the new-look bullpen while building confidence.

But plans change, especially when eager young converted starters are determined to prove themselves.

Gagne easily converted his two save chances, giving up only three singles in his first five appearances spanning 52/3 innings. He has continued to display the outstanding command that opened eyes in the exhibition season, striking out eight without a walk.

Gagne said he needs only about 20 pitches to get warmed up and has not experienced arm stiffness. He adjusted his workout schedule to help build endurance for more appearances throughout the season.

A National League West scout who watched Gagne close Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over the Giants raved about the movement on his 96-mph fastball, sharpness of his changeup and improving curveball. The rest of baseball is discovering what the Dodgers have known since early this spring: Gagne is ready.

“He’s really matured and his confidence level is through the roof,” Lo Duca said. “He’s throwing the ball harder and his pitches are sharper than they’ve ever been.

“I know that we’re just getting going and he’s never done this before, but his stuff is as good as any closer in the game right now. Really.”

Said first baseman Eric Karros: “As far as a closer by committee is concerned, the committee seems to consist of Eric Gagne.”

Manager Jim Tracy is not willing to concede that. Well, at least not completely.

“Could it be going a little faster than we anticipated? Yes it could be,” Tracy said. “But are we ready to say definitively that he’s our closer, case closed? No, I’m not ready to say that. But I will go as far as to say that he’s definitely starting to show [good] signs.”

Gagne’s desire to succeed is high on the list.

“I want to be the one,” he said. “They told me [it’s a committee], but they have to tell me that because I’m still young. They’re trying to help me relax, and that’s good, but I feel confident about this.”

Dave Wallace, senior vice president, said last season Gagne “has the make up of a closer” because of how he challenges batters. However, starters are rarely converted to closers in the major leagues.

The Dodgers bucked conventional baseball wisdom with the risky move, but so far so good. Then again, even Gagne acknowledges it’s too early for the Dodgers to get too excited.

“I’ve never done it before and it’s not something you learn overnight,” he said. “I’m going to go through some stuff, and I’m going to give up some runs, but I’m going to stay mentally strong and just come back and do it the next day.”