Eric Gagne

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Dodgers #2 prospect in 2000
  Gagne, a member of the Canadian national junior team, was passed over in the 1995 draft and signed that summer. He missed the 1997 season after Tommy John surgery. He rebounded to lead all of Double-A in strikeouts and fewest hits per nine innings in 1999. Gagne has a long, fluid three-quarters arm action, lending heavy sink to his 90-92 mph fastball. His changeup, an outstanding pitch he uses to close out hitters, gets similar sinking action from the same release point. The Dodgers describe Gagne’s demeanor as tough, though opponents lean toward mean. Gagne’s curveball lags behind his fastball and change. He had eye surgery following the season to correct problems that forced him to wear heavy goggles on the mound. The previous regime didn’t consider Gagne a prospect, but his performance in 1999 changed that. He is likely to start 2000 in the Dodgers' rotation.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Texas League #6 prospect in 1999
  Two years after major arm surgery, Gagne proved he was healthy--and talented. He was named the Texas League's pitcher of the year and won the ERA title, then was called up to the Dodgers. Gagne has big league stuff in his fastball, curveball and changeup. Most important, he was able to pitch to spots. Managers noted no obvious weaknesses; one suggested Gagne could tighten his curve. Gagne's best attribute may be mental. San Antonio manager Jimmy Johnson noted his mound demeanor, calling him fierce. Others noticed as well. "He seems to be an outstanding competitor," Wichita manager John Mizerock said.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #49 prospect in 2000

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  Gagne, a member of the Canadian national junior team, was passed over in the 1995 draft and signed that summer. He missed the 1997 season after Tommy John surgery. He rebounded to lead all of Double-A in strikeouts and fewest hits per nine innings in 1999. Gagne has a long, fluid three-quarters arm action, lending heavy sink to his 90-92 mph fastball. His changeup, an outstanding pitch he uses to close out hitters, gets similar sinking action from the same release point. The Dodgers describe Gagne’s demeanor as tough, though opponents lean toward mean. Gagne’s curveball lags behind his fastball and change. He had eye surgery following the season to correct problems that forced him to wear heavy goggles on the mound. The previous regime didn’t consider Gagne a prospect, but his performance in 1999 changed that. He is likely to start 2000 in the Dodgers' rotation.
• December, 1998 Scouting Report
  Two years after major arm surgery, Gagne proved he was healthy--and talented. He was named the Texas League's pitcher of the year and won the ERA title, then was called up to the Dodgers. Gagne has big league stuff in his fastball, curveball and changeup. Most important, he was able to pitch to spots. Managers noted no obvious weaknesses; one suggested Gagne could tighten his curve. Gagne's best attribute may be mental. San Antonio manager Jimmy Johnson noted his mound demeanor, calling him fierce. Others noticed as well. "He seems to be an outstanding competitor," Wichita manager John Mizerock said.