Excuses entered on behalf of Eric Gagne after giving up three earned runs and earning a blown save in his Milwaukee Brewers debut

April 1, 2008
  • Things like that happen. -Ned Yost
  • He just got that fastball up, but he was fine. -Jason Kendall
  • Gagne was bothered by the muddiness of the mound. -Anthony Witrado
  • It looked like he couldn’t get his footing. -Billy Castro
  • Anybody can have a bad game. -Billy Castro
  • He was able to come back and at least hold them to those three runs. -Prince Fielder
  • Gagne was swatting at his face throughout the inning … to keep his goggles from fogging up. -Billy Castro

Boy, bad luck. But lots of people sticking up for the guy, who left the clubhouse without speaking to reporters.

Ned Yost: Everything with my Milwaukee Brewers is progressing as perfectly as it possibly could right now

March 9, 2008

Ned Yost

Hey, guys. I expect you have some questions today about my on-field management style, or maybe you’re seeking clarification about some strategic decisions I have to make. … Oh. … No, none of that? You just want me to let me evaluate team decisions? But I’m the manager.  Why would you ask my opinion of my team? I work for the team. Of course I’m going to say …. Why wouldn’t you ask a … you know, an independent observer? Someone who will give you an objective … no? You still want me? OK, beat writers, gather round.

You, there. You want to know what I think of Ryan Braun’s transition to the outfield. He’s been much, much better than I thought he’d be at this point. … Holy shit, you’re writing that down. You’re actually going to print it. Um … wait. I can do better. He’s got an opportunity one day to win a Gold Glove in left field. He certainly does.

Next? You’re interested in Bill Hall’s move to third? Good follow-up. What did Dale say? No, let me guess. Ah, he probably told you, ah … “I think he’s probably doing better than he expected. His feet are getting better. That was the biggest concern, how his feet would react to a new position.” Probably something like that, right? And you’re going to run it as-is, not even question the “new position” part? God you guys are awesome.

Yes, a question about Prince. I knew that was coming. You want to know if I think short-changing him in his contract renewal pissed him off, and if I think the move was a short-sighted chance to save a couple hundred thousand dollars that will cost us tens of millions later? Well yeah, but … no. I mean to say, I know it’s not an issue when he walks through the clubhouse door. Believe me, he knows in the back of his mind, “It’s OK.” No seriously: what could go wrong?

OK, last question. … Hm, tough one. Steroids. Do I think it sets a bad precedent that so many of our off-season acquisitions have drug problems? Naw, you kiddin’ me? Gagne: he said he’s sorry. Mota: whatever, he’s not even going to make the team. Mike Cameron? What to say about Mike. How about this: You push each other to work hard. That’s what he always does. Not too bland a quote for your editors? Because that’s what he does — works hard. That’s why his body rocks, not because he got caught twice (twice!) in one season for banned stimulants.

Thanks for coming, everyone. Please surround those quotes with your own statements that support mine. Again, thank you.

Gagne redemption a little less likely now

December 13, 2007

The Mitchell Report is more than just the list of names that tantalized everyone today. Most of the outings are supplemented by humorous anecdotes about the acquisition of HGH and photocopies of personal checks.

It’s humorous, of course, unless you were really believing that the pitcher your favorite team just signed really was only struggling from back problems and now should be right again and wouldn’t need some enhancements to get himself up for the ninth inning.

An excerpt on Eric Gagne:

When the Boston Red Sox were considering acquiring Gagné, a Red Sox official made specific inquiries about Gagné’s possible use of steroids. In a November 1, 2006 email to Red Sox scout, general manager Theo Epstein asked, “Have you done any digging on Gagne? I know the Dodgers think he was a steroid guy. Maybe so. What do you hear on his medical?”

The scout, Mark Delpiano, responded, “Some digging on Gagne and steroids IS the issue. Has had a checkered medical past throughout career including minor leagues. Lacks the poise and commitment to stay healthy, maintain body and reinvent self. What made him a tenacious closer was the max effort plus stuff . . . Mentality without the plus weapons and without steroid help probably creates a large risk in bounce back durability and ability to throw average while allowing the changeup to play as it once did . . . Personally, durability (or lack of) will follow Gagne . . .”

Oh, I’m ill.

So Theo knew this and still traded for him and still got burnt. No reason to think Doug Melvin didn’t have all of this same information before he signed him.

Boy, for $10 million, you ought to be pretty sure.