Major League Baseball

Gagne to work out for Rockies

Published Jan. 20, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

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Former All-Star closer Eric Gagne is going to work out for the Rockies, FOXSports.com has learned.

He is familiar with Colorado manager Jim Tracy from when both were with the Dodgers.

Gagne, 34, earlier worked out for Philadelphia, but Phillies officials downplayed their interest.

He was released last spring by Milwaukee, and wound up pitching for the Quebec Capitals in the independent Can-Am League. He made 17 starts and had a 4.65 ERA in 102 2/3 innings, earning praise for his work with the other pitchers.

Gagne has indicated he is willing to open the season in the minor leagues, at Double-A or Triple-A, if necessary.

His career has been stained by the 2007 release of the Mitchell Report in which both Gagne and his former Dodgers teammate, catcher Paul Lo Duca, were named.

Earlier this week, the Rockies signed Lo Duca to a minor-league contract in an effort to add right-handed depth. They also signed outfielder Jay Payton, who played for the Rockies during the 2002-03 seasons.

Lo Duca, who turns 38 in April, became a free agent after the 2008 season and wasn't signed last season. He also played for Tracy in Los Angeles. The Rockies will look at him as a possible backup at catcher, first base and left field.

Payton, 37, missed 2009 with a right shoulder injury suffered while lifting weights last March. He hit .309 with 33 home runs and 128 RBIs in 204 games in his two previous seasons with the Rockies.

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