Flexibility was needed to close deal
The major obstacle to a trade for Eric Gagne was that he had been a closer his entire career, and the Red Sox weren't about to take Jonathan Papelbon out of that role.
But Gagne -- a former Cy Young winner who for three years was one of the most dominant reliever Major League Baseball had witnessed -- agreed to come to Boston from the Rangers as a setup man. The importance of that decision was not lost on the 26-year-old Papelbon.
"It's more special and more intriguing than I think I can really put into words," he said.
"I think that anybody that's going to come over here and set your ego and everything aside to come help a team win a World Series says a lot about a person. Not just a player, but a person."
As a player, Gagne unquestionably can help the Red Sox in the bullpen should he stay healthy. His new teammates reacted with excitement yesterday.
"Any bullpen can use more pitching," said reliever Manny Delcarmen. "Having him here will be amazing. He can go out there and help us out. I don't think there will be any negative to it. I think he will help us out deep in the ballgame."
Gagne began his career with the Dodgers, and from 2002-04 recorded 152 saves (in 156 chances) with a 1.79 ERA, winning the Cy Young in 2003.
Injuries derailed that run, and Los Angeles decided not to pick up Gagne's option this season, so he signed with Texas as a free agent.
But Gagne now is healthy and reportedly hitting 94 miles per hour with his fastball. He has 16 saves, having allowed eight earned runs in 33 1/3 innings.
"The numbers talk for themselves," said shortstop Julio Lugo. "He was one of the most dominant pitchers for a while with LA and now he's back in shape, and he'll bring a lot for us."
Designated hitter David Ortiz can testify from experience. When Texas was in town June 29-July 2, Ortiz faced Gagne two nights in a row. He struck out June 30, then grounded out to first to end the next game.
"He really had it going on," Ortiz said. "He was great."
Boasting a 2.74 ERA, the Red Sox bullpen has been the best in the majors. But the three relievers on whom the Sox lean the most -- Papelbon, Delcarmen, and Hideki Okajima -- all are rookies or second-year players. Gagne's experience, therefore, will be valuable.
"This is something that's going to be very, very special for us to have this guy -- and not only in our bullpen, but in our clubhouse," Papelbon said of Gagne, who has a mound intensity that rivals Papelbon's.
"To get a guy like this that's got experience, that's done what he's done [is special]. Hopefully, it all unfolds to where we're looking at winning a World Series. I know that's the reason why he came over here."
Though Gagne's arrival generated excitement, the Red Sox were sad to see Kason Gabbard leave. The lefthanded starter had come up from Pawtucket and delivered some strong performances filling in for Curt Schilling, but joining the Rangers all but ensured he would be part of their rotation.
"I told him good luck, don't change anything, don't change what you're doing, and be as competitive as you possibly can," said reliever Mike Timlin, who has been dealt at the trading deadline three times. "It's a great opportunity for him to go in there and really establish himself."
The bullpen already has established itself, and with Gagne, it might become even better. With several talented pitchers to draw on in the late innings, the Red Sox expect to thrive in tight games.
"It gives us a lot of strength," Lugo said.
"If we are up after seven innings, six innings, everyone else is in a lot of trouble."
Amalie Benjamin of the Globe staff contributed to this report; Daniel Malloy can be reached at dmalloy@globe.com. 
