July 7 -- COME ON BACK

DENVER -- Last night's bullpen meltdown underscored how badly the Phillies need Tom Gordon and Brett Myers to come back from their shoulder injuries. And, from what I've been hearing, it may not be long after the All-Star break.

Myers just came back from throwing 20 pitches in a bullpen session here. He suffered no setbacks, leaving pitching coach Rich Dubee and trainer Scott Sheridan encouraged. Next up: Myers is scheduled to throw a bullpen Wednesday in Clearwater. After that, he will throw either a live batting practice session or make a minor-league rehab appearance in a single-A game. Gordon will make his second appearance for class-A Clearwater tomorrow. He threw a scoreless inning Thursday.

From everything Pat Gillick told me the other day, it sounds like Gordon and Myers could be back in their setup and closer roles shortly after the All-Star break. To the notion that they won't be back until August, Myers said, "That's absurd." Take that for what it's worth.

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Caught up with Ryan Madson, who clarified why he was unavailable to pitch last night. He said his arm was stiff after throwing 30 pitches in the eighth inning Wednesday. The off day Thursday actually had a negative effect since he didn't do anything with his arm. "When you throw that many pitches, the second day usually feels worse," Madson said. "It was probably the first time I've ever asked for a day off." Bad timing. The Phils could've used him last night.

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Chris Coste is making his third straight start behind the plate tonight.

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Here's something you don't see everyday: A convention of barbershop quartet singers is in town, and many are staying in my hotel. But I haven't run into these guys yet. Haven't seen these guys either.