CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Tom Gordon took a step forward while his
fellow relievers stayed behind.
Gordon allowed two hits, one run and earned the loss in his
first appearance in eight days in the Philadelphia Phillies' 5-4
loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday.
The All-Star closer will worry about results when the games
matter, however. For now, he's just trying to make sure he's
healthy enough to anchor a beleaguered bullpen that's relying
desperately on the 39-year-old right-hander.
"My command was much better," Gordon said. "I have something
to build on. My last couple pitches I was starting to feel a lot
better. With two weeks left, it definitely gives me some
opportunity to get out there four, five, six times and also throw
on the side."
Gordon's health is a concern because he broke down last season
and the Phillies don't have any reliable relievers to replace him.
Gordon earned his third trip to the All-Star game by recording 21
saves with a 2.17 ERA in 37 1-3 innings before the break. But he
had only 13 saves and a 5.32 ERA in 22 innings the rest of the way.
Gordon spent long hours in the offseason strengthening his
shoulder following a strenuous exercise program given to him by a
team trainer last year. He took time off from pitching last week to
allow his elbow and forearm to catch up to his shoulder, hoping
this would prevent a longer layoff period down the road.
When Gordon returned to Philadelphia to see a team physician, it
raised more questions about his health. But the trip was merely
precautionary.
"I like the way things were planned out," Gordon said. "I
hope we get past this sooner and I don't take anymore time off than
the last seven days."
Gordon threw mostly fastballs and a few curve balls against the
Devil Rays. B.J. Upton ripped a hard liner over center fielder
Javon Moran's head in the ninth to drive in the go-ahead run.
"He was rusty," manager Charlie Manuel said. "He says he's
fine and he says he wants to pitch, so we'll get him out there."
Gordon hadn't been a full-time closer since 2001, but the
Phillies gave him a three-year, $18 million deal last offseason
after Billy Wagner signed with the New York Mets. Gordon had spent
the previous two seasons as Mariano Rivera's setup man with the New
York Yankees and went to the All-Star game in 2004.
The Phillies still haven't determined who will fill the
important setup role for Gordon. Veteran Antonio Alfonseca
struggled for the second straight outing, giving up three runs and
three hits in the seventh inning against Tampa Bay. Ryan Madson
hasn't shown the consistency he displayed when he was a dependable
reliever his rookie season in 2004.
General manager Pat Gillick hopes to acquire a late-inning
reliever -- perhaps in a trade for sixth starter Jon Lieber. If he
can't, the bullpen will remain a major concern.
"We definitely have to get better," Manuel said.
Gordon realizes his performance is crucial to the team's
success.
"In New York, Mariano set the tone," he said. "I think our
bullpen will shape up to the point where Charlie feels he can trust
us. Once everyone knows his role, it will fall in line."