Hicks loves to deal with Boras: Gagne signs with the Rangers

[missionhockey21]

One day after reportedly making an offer to free-agent left-hander Barry Zito, the Rangers have reached preliminary agreement with another Scott Boras client, free-agent closer Eric Gagne, on a one-year, $6 million contract, FOXSports.com has learned.

The deal, which likely is pending a physical, is expected to include approximately $5 million in appearance incentives, bringing the possible total to $11 million, major-league sources said.
Gagne, who turns 31 on Jan. 7, has pitched in only 16 games the past two seasons while undergoing two elbow operations and back surgery. He is expected to be ready by spring training.

Boras had told interested clubs that Gagne only would sign with a team that intended to make him its closer. The Rangers have explored the possibility of trading right-hander Akinori Otsuka, their closer last season, for young starting pitching.

Veteran starters also are on the Rangers' wish list; the team, after re-signing right-hander Vicente Padilla, is one of the leading suitors for Zito, and club officials are scheduled to meet Tuesday with free-agent left-hander Mark Mulder.

Last season, Gagne underwent surgery to remove a nerve from his pitching elbow on April 7, then season-ending back surgery to repair a herniated disc in his lower back on July 8.

The Dodgers declined his $12 million option, making him a free agent. The Red Sox and Indians were among the clubs interested, but both balked at his asking price, believing Gagne was too great a risk.

Gagne, a three-time All-Star, holds the major-league record of 84 consecutive saves. His best season was in 2003, when he converted all 55 of his save opportunities and posted a 1.20 ERA en route to the NL Cy Young Award.

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"He is expect to be ready by spring training." AKA this is what Boras has jammed down every GM's throat. That's a lot of money for someone who might (and probably not) will ever be the same and for someone that many questioned if he could even come back. Of course if he proves all the doubters wrong, it could like a great deal for the Rangers. I am still surprised he got such a high base salary with his question marks though.

[Halladay_is_God]

Seems like a good deal for both sides if Gagne produces he gets a big pay check and a chance to leaves town for a bigger pay raise after this season and if he doesn't its nothing to the Rangers to lose 6 million for 1 year.

In the end Boras strikes again.