Baez Will Adjust to Role

Danys Baez soon will move across the country after getting traded from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to the Dodgers. He also will move from the ninth inning to the eighth, and to him that is akin to relocating to the moon.

Baez, 28, has established himself as a reliable closer, notching 41 saves last season, 30 in 2004 and 25 in 2003.

But the Dodgers have perhaps baseball’s best closer in Eric Gagne -- when he is healthy. And Gagne, who had 152 saves in the three years preceding an injury-plagued 2005, is more than a guy who gets three outs. He has become an icon, a marketing vehicle and a symbol of any remnant of Dodger tenaciousness.

General Manager Ned Colletti made it clear to Baez that, barring injury, Gagne will remain in that role. Case closed regarding the closer.

So Baez is resigned to serving as Gagne’s setup man, pitching the eighth inning, sometimes going two innings and occasionally working the ninth when Gagne needs a breather.

That doesn’t mean he has to like it.

“If you ask me what I want to do, I want to be a closer,” Baez said Sunday. “Now I’ve got to see what kind of situation we have. I’m not too happy about that situation, to be a setup man again when I’ve been a closer the last couple years.”

He made it clear it’s nothing personal. He admires Gagne’s work. And he won’t make waves.

“I know [Gagne] has been hurt, but he’s very, very good,” Baez said. “We’re going to work together and we’ll see what happens. They know I can close games. But I’m fine, and whatever the situation is, I’ll be ready to go into games.”

Gagne’s questionable health prompted Colletti to make the deal, which also brought reliever Lance Carter. The Dodgers gave up two touted prospects, starting pitchers Edwin Jackson and Chuck Tiffany.

Gagne, who could not be reached for comment, had three injuries last season, appeared in 14 games and converted all eight of his save opportunities. His spring training work was limited because of a sprained knee, and he started the season on the disabled list because of a sprained elbow.

He pitched from May 14 through June 12, then missed the rest of the season after having elbow surgery. The Dodgers say his arm feels good and he will be ready when spring training begins Feb. 15.

Baez, who like Gagne has one year left on his contract, understands that he is a $4-million insurance policy in addition to a setup man. The Dodgers also have Yhency Brazoban, who had 21 saves last season but was inconsistent, especially late in the season.

The Dodgers owe Gagne $10 million in 2006 and have a $12-million option for 2007. It is unlikely they would exercise it unless he returns to the dominant form that enabled him to win the Cy Young Award in 2003 and notch 45 saves in 2004.

Baez, too, is looking ahead. He made it clear he wouldn’t sign an extension with the Dodgers unless he would be the closer in 2007.

“I’ll pitch one more year, then I’ll be a free agent and everyone in both leagues will know I can be a closer,” he said.