The BUZZ in Philly

Mariano Rivera announced today that he will test the free-agent market and all rumors seem to agree that he won’t be back with the Yankees next year. Wouldn’t it be great if he gave up his blue pinstripes for red ones?

Think about it……………

The Phillies are in desperate need of another starting pitcher (okay, a couple of them). Brett Myers is a proven starter who was forced into a dilapidated bullpen and despite his success as a closer, could still be that missing person in the rotation. And no matter what he says publicly, no pitcher wants to be a closer if they can be a successful starter. And most “experts” think that Myers can be, again.

But the only way he can leave the bullpen is if the Phillies find a replacement. None of the current pitchers in the pen are closers. JC Romero might be the closest, but he’s also proven he can pitch 2 – 3 innings of middle-to-late relief when needed. And unfortunately, it’s needed often, and unfortunately, nobody on the current staff can fill that role as well as he can.

You can argue that Rivera is nearing the end of his prime. But that didn’t prevent the Phillies from bringing in Tom Gordon. And although Gordon had flashes of brilliance, overall, you’d have to say he was a disappointment. Rivera brings a lot more to the table than Gordon did, both in ability and proven success.

Even if Rivera has lost a little of his “stuff,” he’ll have the advantage of facing National League hitters who have never seen his pitches. If you remember, Gordon was very successful during his first go-round through the National League. There’s no reason to think Rivera won’t be even more successful.

Why would Rivera come to Philly? Why not? Joe Torre is a player’s manager and so is Charlie Manuel. I also happen to know Rivera has a business interest in Delaware, where his best friend also lives.

From purely a baseball standpoint, the Phillies are one of the up-and-coming teams. They were second in the majors in runs scored (the Yanks were first) and there is no reason to believe their lineup won’t be just as potent next year, which should give whoever the closer is, several save opportunities with a 2 – 3 run cushion. Their clubhouse is loose and although the fans and media can be tough, nothing matches the media throng in New York that Rivera has already survived.

And besides, if he doesn’t want to move his kids out of their current schools in New York, Philly is a much easier commute than, say, Boston.

Mariano ~ the city of Brotherly Love would welcome you with open arms.

Jon Buzby is a nationally-syndicated columnist who also writes the Buzz in New York for www.hotstovenewyork.com. He can be reached through his website at www.jonbuzby.com.