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December 7, 2006
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- In their search for a closer, the Red Sox continue to negotiate with Scott Boras on a deal for pitcher Eric Gagne.
As the Red Sox' front office contingent left here this afternoon, a source with knowledge of the talks indicated the two sides were nowhere near a contract agreement. For now, Boras' demand for a base salary of more than $5 million is untenable for the Sox.
Gagne has missed most of the last two seasons with an assortment of injuries. He underwent back surgery last spring and has battled elbow and shoulder issues in the past.
A number of other teams, including Kansas City, San Francisco, Cleveland and Tampa Bay, are looking for a closer and have talked to Boras. But Gagne is said to be interested in pitching for a contender which may help Boston.
The former Dodger is said to be interested in a one-year deal so that he can re-establish himself as one of the game's most dominant closers and return to the market again next winter. That would suit the Red Sox, who believe that either Craig Hansen or Bryce Cox, the hard-throwing reliever drafted from Rice last June, will be positioned to close for the team in 2008.
Gagne saved 152 games from 2002-2004. Even if his velocity has slipped because of the arm injuries, many believe that he can continue to thrive with his devastating changeup.
Earlier, there had been indications that Gagne would be willing to throw for teams concerned about his physical status. But with growing interest in him, he may be signed to a deal before he's fully cleared to throw.
-- SEAN McADAM
Posted by Art 
at 12:54 PM | Permalink
