ESPN has a good article on Eric Gagnes streak.

Gagne can have a bad game and continue his streak. He can enter a game with a three-run lead, give up three hits and two runs, and still get a save. DiMaggio had to get a hit every game. Gagne can enter a game in a non-save situation, give up 10 runs (this would never happen) and the streak would still live. Plus, with all due respect, it's not as if the country is riveted to every extension of the streak. When Gagne reached 55 to set the record, it went largely unnoticed across America. If someone hits in 57 games in a row, there will be a parade.

Good accomplishment, but not historic.