Tom

Gordon

The 47-year-old former pitcher has never managed at any level, and has never even been mentioned as a possible candidate for any openings. Perhaps they are simply considering all options, as Gordon would certainly be an outside-the-box hire. Phil Nevin, Alex Cora, Ron Gardenhire, Andy Green, Rick Sofield and Moises Alou have also been mentioned as possibilities for the Padres opening.

''I feel I have all my pitches back now,’' he said. ''I’d probably need a whole spring training, but I’d like to get that opportunity.’' Gordon hasn’t ruled out staying with the Yankees as a setup man, though he added that he wouldn’t take an eighth-inning role anywhere else.

''Flash is a concern right now. We just have to figure out what we can do to get him going,’' Manuel said after Gordon allowed a 2-run homer to Gary Matthews Jr. yesterday. Gordon has a 6.75 ERA but says the Sox have nothing to worry about.

The Phillies will definitely sign someone to replace Jose Mesa. Gordon has moved to the top of their list because he will be more affordable than Keith Foulke and is pitching at least as well as any of the other potential free-agent closers.

Gordon should be able to step right in if called upon.

If the Blue Jays don’t have to spend too much, they’d like to add a closer and move Aquilino Lopez back into a setup role. Rod Beck and Armando Benitez are other possibilities for the club.

It looks like the Yankees are going to spend more on their bullpen next season than a few teams will pay their entire rosters. Mariano Rivera, Steve Karsay and Jeff Weaver add up to $21.75 million, and Gordon, Chris Hammond, Gabe White and Felix Heredia would account for at least another $10 million. The Yankees will have competition for Gordon. The Devil Rays want him as a closer, and if Gordon wants to wait until Keith Foulke signs, he could have a few more bidders.

Gordon apparently has decided not to wait for Keith Foulke to sign to see if he’ll receive a better offer. Gammons is also reporting that the Yankees are showing interest in signing Kenny Lofton.

Manuel explained his closer philosophy to Gordon, saying ''You can close in the sixth inning if it’s a big run and you think you need the ballgame.’' Hence, Manuel prefers a committee to get big outs at any point in the final innings. Don’t expect much of a change to either Gordon or Damaso Marte getting all of the save chances.

The injury is not considered serious, and Gordon, who applies heat to the muscle before every game, will still be available for tonight’s contest against the Orioles.