A few weeks ago, in an exclusive interview with The News Journal, Tom Gordon (left) told me his shoulder woes last season began to develop in May, long before the pain forced him to the disabled list in August. Today comes the news that Gordon has returned to Philly for a check-up with team doctor Michael Ciccotti. Team officials are downplaying the trip, claiming it's routine maintenance to double-check that everything is OK with the 39-year-old closer. But, with the Phillies still unable to trade for a reliable setup man, any news about Gordon's arm is cause for concern. The Phils already have been cautious with Gordon this spring. He has pitched in only two Grapefruit League games, totaling two innings, and isn't scheduled to pitch again until Thursday. Charlie Manuel has already said Gordon won't pitch more than one inning per appearance, and at least early in the season, won't pitch on more than two consecutive days.Finally, here's the latest from the Jon Lieber rumor mill. It seems the White Sox, having already seen Gavin Floyd struggle this spring, may have some interest. Of course, the White Sox also would love to re-acquire Aaron Rowand and may be willing to deal reliever Mike MacDougal and a third baseman, either Joe Crede or top prospect Josh Fields. That said, it wouldn't solve the Phillies' need for another outfielder, assuming they have to trade Rowand. MacDougal, 30, could help the Phillies. He recorded 27 saves in 2003 and 21 in 2005, both for the Royals.
4 comments:
Good news for the Phillies brass.....now they have a bonafide excuse for the fans as to why the Phillies will not make the playoffs again for the 14th straight year. If they had retained Billy Wagner they would have been odds on favorites to win the pennant, but no they do not want to play the game as the Yankees, BoSox and Mets do year in and year out. They just are content being competitive. And after all their promises to the fans to justify building their new playpen they resort to their same old spendthrift ways. They even low balled Ryan Howard and you know eventually it will come back to haunt them. This current management group is just interested in obtaining the revenue and not spending it to obtain a championship for Philadelphia. I can't wait any longer and relinquished my season tickets after 25 years.
Maybe you should keep your comments reserved for the Red Sox, Bostonblackie. If you payed attention you would know the Phils had no shot at signing Billy Wagner. He was using the Phils to bump up the Mets offer, and guess what, it worked. If you think Ryan Howard is underpayed go over to espn.com and Keith Law's blog where he states that the Phils overpayed for Howard when they didn't have to. Oh, and if spending $95 million on the 2007 payroll is being "spendthrifty," then there are 26 teams in baseball who are ridiculously cheap. Get a clue and stop listening to those morons on WIP who know nothing but complaining about everything.
Have to ask how your right elbow is there Scott, since you seem quite adept at patting yourself on the back for "exclusive" interviews. This ain't the 'burbs sister, self-promotion isn't what it's about.
And yes, people actually do that.
Shutup anon 6:06...at least there is a NJ reporter who actually writes blogs and keeps us up to date with info. Keep doing what your doing Scott.
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