Will Flash lose his flare?

Last season after a wild series in Cincinnati, Phillies closer Tom Gordon went on the disabled list with a shoulder strain. After that Charlie Manuel was able to patch together a few games, but in the end the extra work broke the bullpen. It wasn’t until Gordon came back that the bullpen returned to its previous success. Last season's bullpen collapse explicates why having a dependable closer is crucial to any team's success. This year Tom Gordon is one year older and the fear is that he will visit the disabled list again at some point this season.

Gordon’s statistics were very good last season. He stuck out 68 in 59.1 innings with a 3.34 ERA while holding his opponents to a .233 average. His numbers look even better if you leave out the first part of August when he posted an awful 9.64 ERA.

This season Manuel will use Gordon carefully in an effort to help keep him off the DL. Manuel spoke about Gordon commenting, "I want to keep him strong so he can go all year. I think he can go three days [in a row]. Sometimes, even with two days out, depending on the number of pitches he threw in those two outings, maybe [I might] let someone else throw that third day. With a four-run lead, we might let someone else start the inning."

Manuel’s comments reflect a reasonable degree of prudence. However, Charlie will have to balance overworking Gordon with letting him pitch enough to stay in a rhythm. Gordon himself says that his arm feels great; not that he would say anything if his arm was about to fall off. So will 2007 be the season Flash loses his flare? Only time will tell.

Sources:
Gordon enter '07 feeling great
By Ken Mandel / MLB.com

Gordon is key to Philadelphia's success
By AP

Picture of Tom Gordon from sportsnetwork.com