Rheal

Cormier

Cormier was considering retirement during the season, but after Bowa was fired, he acknowledged that there was a good chance he’d return. “I know he’s coming back,” said Billy Wagner after recently speadking with Cormier. “Some of the moves that were made make it easier for him to come back.”

Philadelphia GM Ed Wade just can’t help overspending for relievers. This should put him on Steve Kline’s Christmas list. Cormier (3.56 ERA in 81 IP) remained solid last season, but he turns 38 in April and could collapse at any time. We doubt anyone else would have given him a multiyear deal worth this much.

“You’ve got to assume that [he’s our closer],” pitching coach Joe Kerrigan said. “We have a lot of confidence in him coming in [in] the ninth inning. You go with the hot hand. He’s been hot all year.” Mixed leaguers desperate for saves should pick up Cormier for the final week.

Manager Larry Bowa said Cormier is getting better, but he was uncertain when he would pitch. Consider him day-to-day.

''I’ve seen it a lot of times,’' Cormier said. ''Just in general. It’s a lot of stuff that takes place, and it’s not positive. It’s pins and needles in here. It makes it very tough.’' Adding to the tiptoey feeling was Mike Lieberthal, who said: ''I think it’s very important for players to respect the manager, for players to obviously have a good communication with their manager so you can play relaxed, to make you feel comfortable.’' Bowa’s take, which may eventually get him fired if the Phillies don’t win their division: ''Nobody is asking the players to change their personalities. And nobody is asking the coaches to change their personalities. You just got to deal with it. You make a lot of money. Deal with it.’'

It was a condition of the trade, as Cormier wasn’t going to waive his 10-and-5 rights unless he got an extension. The Reds are probably overpaying to keep him, but they didn’t give up much to get him and it’s only a one-year extension.

If this is the best Phillies GM Pat Gillick could do, there couldn’t have been much interest in Cormier. The 39-year-old left-hander has a 1.59 ERA in 34 innings, though that’s come with a 13/13 K/BB ratio. Also, left-handers have hit .259 with two homers off him, while right-handers are at .197 with no homers. Considering that right-handers were at .324 against him last year, there’s little way of telling which way he’ll go in the future. Still, it’s a decent pickup for a Reds team with little idea whether Kent Mercker will contribute the rest of the way.

Both should be available. The Cardinals have also discussed Jon Lieber and Cory Lidle with the Phillies, but it’s unlikely they’ll be able to acquire either starter.

It was curious that the Reds went to a pair of starters in the 14-inning game while Cormier remained unused. Now we know why. Cormier isn’t expected to miss additional time.

Cormier missed a couple of games with a hip injury.