There's something seriously wrong with this guy, and I think it's a combination of physical and mental.  A few years back he was unhittable, but in the past couple of seasons, it's like batting practice when he got on the mound.  I saw him five years ago in a game at Shea, when he pitched for the Dodgers, and I was astounded at how hard he threw, much more impressive than he seemed when I saw him on TV.  His dramatic loss of skills is shocking, considering that he's not that old, and hasn't pitched that many innings in his career.

Was a definite five, but after injuries and stint with Red Sox, I don't know. 

Update:  He had better turn it on now that he is with my Brewers!

Was great when healthy with the Dodgers, and not too bad with Texas for much of last year, but was awful with the Red Sox after coming over in a trade. Baseball history is simply littered with relievers who had a great year or a few  great years but then lost it due to injuries or just sudden ineffectiveness- Mark Davis, Bobby Thigpen, and many others.

Started off great, but is now the poster boy for deciding a player is Hall of Fame bound too early in his career.

We are now officially at the point where the grounds crew drags the warning track when he comes in to pitch.

Dominating when he's healthy- too bad he never is! Also, everytime I hear someone bitching about Barry I always think of this hulking closers who pull muscles walking to the store- why isn't anyone asking them why they're all ruining the game?

Closers are overrated to begin with, because they have very little impact on a season. Gagne made a great closer for 3 years, but that was only after failing as a starter. The Dodgers only got to the postseason once with him in 2004, but they lost to the Cardinals without Gagne even pitching a meaningful inning. Although the save stats are impressive, Gagne hasn't been as good as other pitchers. And who knows if he will ever come back healthy after being out for over a year.

Anyone who doesn't think Gagne is the best closer in baseball is an absolute fool....this guy is hands down the best closer in baseball! The Dodgers rule!

Best NL closer hands down.

smoltz rocks gagne blows

I don't like the guy and ain't no way in hell he's a Cy Young Award winner..The consecutive save streak is extremely over-rated...He'll break down and we'll all forget about him..

Best closer in the game. Smoltz is older and has battled injury problems. Oh yeah, and the ding-dongs rating him below a 5 should be kicked off the site. Best closer in the game, hands-down. I think that qualifies as great. Incredible closer.

Can you say One Year Wonder? I bet in 2 years no one will remember this guy's name. Plus, those glasses we wears make him look like a total nerd. Oh yeah, the Dodgers suck, too!! Ha ha!

Regarding Hansi's comment I COMPLETELY AGREE! Best closer ever! I'm a red sox fan and I worship this guy!

hansi said it all, but he forgot to mention that Gagne now owns the ML record for consecutive saves and is on the best pitching staff in the major leagues.

CY YOUNG-NO, MVP-NO qualified for both. Deserves more than Rolaids Relief Man Award. Call it the Gagne Award---and this is coming from a Giants fan!!!