Mailbag: Will Gordon close the deal?

02/27/2006
Do you feel that Tom Gordon, with his past arm problems, will be able to hold up under the grind of an entire season as the team's closer? If not, who would take some of the save opportunities? -- Jeff S., Salamanca, N.Y.
Much has been made about Gordon's age and lack of recent closing experience, but there's no reason to believe he can't handle it. Over the past two seasons, the right-hander had pitched in 159 games, spanning 160 1/3 innings. He's surrendered just 115 hits and whiffed 165. He's been one of the most durable pitchers in recent years, if you count his 2003 season with the White Sox.
I understand some fans aren't happy, because Gordon isn't Billy Wagner, but he can still be one of the league's top closers. The only reason he wasn't closing the past two years is because he was on a team with the best closer in baseball (the Yankees' Mariano Rivera), and he shouldn't be penalized for that. His contract isn't as prohibitive as Wagner's would have been, allowing the Phillies to enhance the team in other areas.
Do you think prospects like Gio Gonzalez, Scott Mathieson and Cole Hamels will end up in the Major Leagues this year? -- Nick, Jupiter, Fla.
It really depends on how they fare at Double-A Reading. While that youthful group is comprised of three of the organization's best pitching prospects, the team would prefer that they remain there all season. If a promotion is earned, it would likely be to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. If the big-league rotation performs well -- plus the possible return of Randy Wolf -- there might not be a need for reinforcements.
Daniel Haigwood had some impressive numbers last year in the Minors for the White Sox. Where will he start this season, and how soon will he be in the Phils' rotation? -- Bret V., Cave City, Ark.
Haigwood, one of the two pitching prospects acquired in the trade for Jim Thome, is expected to start the season at Triple-A. He's projected as a back-of-the-rotation guy. He or Gavin Floyd could be summoned first if needed, but they might have to wait in line behind Rob Tejeda or Ricardo Rodriguez.
Do you think Ryan Madson will get a fair chance as a starter? I really like watching him pitch and I just worry that if he struggles early in the season, they'll send him back to the 'pen too fast. -- Adam B., Mechanicsburg, Pa.
Manager Charlie Manuel has said all winter that he doesn't want to play games with Madson, so there's every reason to believe he'll keep Madson in the rotation. The Phillies believe he has a chance to be a solid No. 3 starter because of his fastball, devastating changeup and developing curveball. He'll have to struggle for an extended period of time for the team to abandon the switch. That said, Madson could go back to relieving if there's a more serious need there.
Who's going to get the job as utility infielder -- Abraham Nunez or Tomas Perez? -- Greg P., Philadelphia
Nunez isn't competing for a job after signing a two-year contract in the offseason. The same can be said for Alex S. Gonzalez. Perez's roster spot is in danger, despite having a guaranteed contract. Some in the organization feel Perez has lost some defensive ability and are disappointed with his offensive decline. Nunez and Gonzalez will both fill in across the diamond, and one could take over at third base if David Bell continues to struggle against right-handers.

Source: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/