Phils, Gordon agree to three-year deal

[Eva]

PHILADELPHIA - It didn't take general manager Pat Gillick long to find a new closer to replace Billy Wagner.

The Philadelphia Daily News and Philadelphia Inquirer both reported Friday that Tom Gordon has agreed to a three-year, $18 million contract pending the results of a physical. Gordon is expected to take a physical on Saturday.

Gordon, 38, has been the setup reliever for Mariano Rivera the past two seasons. In 2005, Gordon appeared in 79 games and compiled a respectable 2.57 ERA. Opponents hit just .203 against him.

In 80 2/3 innings, Gordon allowed 59 hits and struck out 69.

The Daily News noted that when the Phillies offered a third year, Gordon accepted. The Indians and Rangers were also reportedly interested.

Gordon, who recorded 46 saves for the Red Sox in 1998, hasn't been a full-time closer since '01. The addition of Gordon brings the Phillies' 40-man roster to 40.
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051202&content_id=1275097&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

I'm sure Gordon can handle the job of being the Phillies closer. Gordon has shown he's back in form as pitcher the best two years with the Yankees. While he has not been a full time closer since 01, I think he should have no problem being a closer for the Phillies.

[I Are Baboon]

Hey, any time the Yankees get weaker, I'm happy. :thumbsup:

[PissedPrincess]

Guess I'm in the minority here. What a freakin overpay! Dude is 39! A decent, not great set-up guy, lousy closer. Phillies got raped imo.

[I Are Baboon]

Guess I'm in the minority here. What a freakin overpay! Dude is 39! A decent, not great set-up guy, lousy closer. Phillies got raped imo.

I totally agree that the Phils overpaid. That doesn't change the fact that Gordon was one of the only effective Yankee relievers, and his loss hurts their bullpen.

3 years, $18 million for a 38 year old setup man? Not worth it. Phillies fans will DESTROY him if he fails.

Let's hope the Rangers can land Kyle Farnsworth.

[PissedPrincess]

I totally agree that the Phils overpaid. That doesn't change the fact that Gordon was one of the only effective Yankee relievers, and his loss hurts their bullpen.

3 years, $18 million for a 38 year old setup man? Not worth it. Phillies fans will DESTROY him if he fails.

Let's hope the Rangers can land Kyle Farnsworth.

I guess my impression of Gordon is the guy puking in the bullpen at Fenway waiting to pitch in Game 5 of the ALCS which he promptly served up a 1st pitch fastball over the monster to Ortiz. :banana: Good times.

Yes, go Rangers!

[I Are Baboon]

I guess my impression of Gordon is the guy puking in the bullpen at Fenway waiting to pitch in Game 5 of the ALCS which he promptly served up a 1st pitch fastball over the monster to Ortiz. :banana: Good times.

Yes, go Rangers!

Well the Red Sox have spanked every member of the Yankee bullpen, so you can't single out Gordon. Good times indeed.

I think of Gordon as very effective against everyone except Boston, but that won't really be an issue anymore.

[Eva]

We have to accept the fact that every MLB will over-pay for bullpen help since their is very little out there. Even the medicore bullpen pitcher these days get paid an absurd amount of money. After Wagner and Ryan sign, other reliever are expecting a lot of money for themselves as well. Even a fossil like Gordon can be paid 6 million for the next 3 years.

Kyle Farnsworth and our very own Mike Myers might end up as Yankee pitchers.