Out of the three major sports (no chance can hockey still be considered a “major” sport), baseball is the one where guys seem to just hang around forever.  One of those guys is Eric Gagne, and he’s going to be a Dodger again.

PHOENIX — The Dodgers and free-agent reliever Eric Gagne have tentatively agreed on a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League camp, according to baseball sources, although an announcement probably won’t be made until Friday.

Gagne also had an offer from the Colorado Rockies, but he made it clear in a meeting with Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti earlier this month that his preference was to return to the team where he enjoyed his greatest success.

I think this was a case of the Dodgers signing Gagne so that he could avoid the humiliation of finding himself without a team – you know, to make it up to the guy for saving like four zillion games in a row.  They definitely don’t need much bullpen help, so this has to be a thankful gesture.  Colorado, on the other hand, was likely desperate.

Or, both teams wanted a clown on the roster for the sole purpose of entertaining fans.  Yes, a clown – there’s just no other way to describe Gagne after his abysmal performances recently.  He’d come out of the pen in Boston with his big, curly hair surrounding his head like a ridiculous mane, and then proceed to serve up batting practice meatballs to the opposing team.  All that was missing was a big red nose on his face and a clown car to bring him onto the field from the bullpen.

[mlb.com]