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Sox Stun Yankees, Grab Gagne

Ace reliever overcomes Boston phobia for $2.1M signing bonus

By Joseph Fasano,  Newser User

Posted Aug 1, 2007 7:13 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Yankees had hoped to nab ace reliever Eric Gagne from the Texas Rangers; instead, he signed with their AL-East rivals yesterday, breaking a no-trade clause with the division-dominating Red Sox. The Sox, who handed Gagne a $2.1M signing bonus, bought insurance for a bullpen which already includes All-Stars Jonathan Papelbon and Hideki Okajima.

Boston released Papelbon's previous set-up man, Kason Gabbard, along with two minor leaguers. With Gagne back in shape after recent back surgery, Boston is looking to protect a seven-game lead over the streaking Yanks. Meanwhile, New York surrendered even more relief last night—dealing reliever Scott Proctor to LA for infielder Wilson Betemit.

Texas Rangers pitcher Eric Gagne delivers to the Seattle Mariners in the ninth inning of a baseball game in Arlington, Texas, Monday, July 23, 2007. The Rangers won 8-7.  (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Texas Rangers pitcher Eric Gagne delivers to the Seattle Mariners in the ninth inning of a baseball game in Arlington, Texas, Monday, July 23, 2007. The Rangers won 8-7. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)   (Associated Press)
This is a Feb. 2007 file photo of Eric Gagne of the Texas Rangers baseball team. With Gagne finally pitching like his old self following two elbow operations and back surgery, the Boston Red Sox acquired the reliever on Tuesday, July 31, 2007 from the Rangers. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
This is a Feb. 2007 file photo of Eric Gagne of the Texas Rangers baseball team. With Gagne finally pitching like his old self following two elbow operations and back surgery, the Boston Red Sox acquired...   (Associated Press)
Texas Rangers reliever Eric Gagne delivers to the Seattle Mariners in the second baseball game of a doubleheader in Arlington, Texas,  in this July 24, 2007 file photo.  With Gagne finally pitching like his old self following two elbow operations and back surgery, the Boston Red Sox acquired the reliever...
Texas Rangers reliever Eric Gagne delivers to the Seattle Mariners in the second baseball game of a doubleheader in Arlington, Texas, in this July 24, 2007 file photo. With Gagne finally pitching like...   (Associated Press)
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