Former Red Sox relief pitcher Eric Gagne worked out for the Colorado Rockies Tuesday, reports MLB.com's Thomas Harding.
Gagne has also tried out for the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers and is seeking a minor league contract. He pitched in front of manager Jim Tracy, general manager Dan O'Dowd , assistant GM Bill Geivett and scout Mike Paul. Geivett was the Dodgers' assistant GM in 1999 when he advocated promoting Gagne from Double-A to the majors. Gagne would go on to be one of the most dominating closers in the game from 2002-2004, at one point saving 84 straight games.
"I basically called them up and said I'm ready," Gagne told MLB.com. "I want to find a place to play and see if you guys give me a shot."
Gagne has been out of baseball since 2008 after posting a 5.44 ERA in 46 1/3 innings after having pitched with a torn muscle in his right shoulder that he elected not to have surgically repaired. He served as a starter for the Quebec Capitales of the Can-Am League in 2009, electing to improve his endurance.
Gagne is best known for his disastrous turn in a Red Sox uniform, being acquired from Texas at the 2007 trade deadline for left-hander Kason Gabbard (who later was traded back to Boston) and outfielders David Murphy and Engel Beltre. Acquired to give Boston a devastating bullpen corps, Gagne instead posted a 6.75 ERA in 18 2/3 innings, coining a new nickname of "Gag-me."
The 34-year-old says his arm feels better than it has in "three or four years" and has no expectations about being given a contract.
"I told them I can help this team," Gagne said. "I'm healthy right now. If they think it's good enough, that's good."
