State of the bullpen address II: Flash opens up

An informative audio interview with new Phillies closer Tom Gordon, recorded last week in Reading.

It would be a disservice to Phillies fans to keep this excellent interview under wraps. Answering questions, primarily from Mike Drago of the Reading Eagle, Gordon educated a small group of reporters about a number of topics, including the decisions he’s made, his physical and mental health and what it takes to be a big-league closer.

It wouldn’t be an overstatement to call this the most education I’ve ever received on the subject of relief pitching. It was also beneficial because I knew very little about Flash, even though he will pitch his 18th season in the major leagues this season.

Topics covered:
-- Why he decided to leave the Yankees
-- What it takes to be a major-league closer
-- Why he’s made certain career decisions
-- His response to concerns about his age

Download the 7.8 MB mp3 file [here].

Comments

[C]

He meant Tommy John rehab, right? Or did he have a substance abuse problem?

[J. Weitzel]

My gosh no! Tommy John.

[C]

He's very well-spoken. I have to admit, I have more confidence in him after hearing this. I tend to believe him when he says he had contract offers to go be a closer after the surgery, but decided to go work setup with Mariano because he felt he wasn't ready yet. Then again, the Yankees being the Yankees, they probably topped all those closer offers. :) Anybody happen to know what his contract was like with New York?

[ae]

2004 New York Yankees $3,500,000
2005 New York Yankees $3,750,000