Nov. 1 -- FILLING THE 'PEN

OK, today we begin our weekly examination of a position the Phillies must strengthen before next season. This week, our spotlight shines on the bullpen. As always, your thoughts/opinions are encouraged.

For most of the season, the Phillies' bullpen ERA was among the best in the majors, but that statistic proved to be a mirage. After the All-Star break, 38-year-old closer Tom Gordon's shoulder broke down, causing him to miss most of August. Left-hander Arthur Rhodes, ineffective as the setup man, had less success as a closer. The Phillies erred by yo-yoing Ryan Madson between the rotation and the bullpen, and he wasn't consistent in either role. Rick White didn't pitch poorly after being claimed off waivers in June, but he never quite earned manager Charlie Manuel's faith in big spots. And, by season's end, rookie Matt Smith , who was acquired from the Yankees in the Bobby Abreu trade had supplanted struggling Aaron Fultz as the primary lefty reliever.

There were some surprises, too. Geoff Geary had a breakout season, emerging as a trustworthy late-inning reliever. And 20-year-old lefty Fabio Castro, the yield in a minor trade in June with the Texas Rangers, pitched well in limited duty. Castro, a Rule 5 draft pick, had to remain on the roster or risk being returned to his former team. He likely will start 2007 where he should've spent 2006 -- in the minors.

So, where does that leave the Phillies?

Coming back: Gordon ($7 million), Geary, Madson (arbitration eligible), Smith
See ya later: Rhodes (free agent)
Other free agents: Fultz, White
Needs: Primarily, the Phillies need a setup man to lock down the eighth inning and, now and then, spell Gordon in the ninth. If Gordon's workload is reduced early in the season, he'll be fresher down the stretch. Between Geary and Madson, the sixth and seventh innings should be covered. Madson, if he's used exclusively as a reliever, should return to his 2004-05 form. Also, if Fultz isn't re-signed, the Phils need a veteran left-hander to complement Smith.
Top potential additions: RHP Joe Borowski (age 35, made $1.05 million as the Marlins closer in '06); RHP Miguel Batista (age 35, made $4.75 million in '06, can be a starter or reliever and once closed games for Toronto); RHP Danys Baez (age 29, made $4 million in '06, has until Nov. 13 to file for free agency or honor the Dodgers' option for '07).
Stay away from: RHP Guillermo Mota. He might've been lights-out for the Mets after being acquired in August, but he just received a 50-game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.