CHICAGO – It took just three days in Chicago for Tom Gordon to get upset with the Cubs.

	Gordon

After making his first regular-season appearance since Oct. 3, 1999, Gordon said he wants to be the Cubs' full-time closer and doesn't want to rest between appearances.

"We're having a little problem because I didn't come here to sit out there in the bullpen. If that's the case, I'd rather leave," said Gordon, who spent the last 16 months rehabbing after reconstructive elbow surgery.

"There's no need for a confrontation (with manager Don Baylor). I just need to pitch or I need to go."

Andy MacPhail, the Cubs president and general manager, said he was aware of Gordon's comments. But he also said it's up to Baylor and pitching coach Oscar Acosta to decide who pitches when.

"I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities," MacPhail said. "He'll pitch when Don and Oscar want him to. We're delighted to have him."

Gordon's agent, Rick Thurman, did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Gordon was activated Tuesday after starting the season on the disabled list with a strained right triceps. He hurt the muscle March 18 during an unsupervised weight lifting session in spring training.

The Cubs didn't exactly miss Gordon. Jeff Fassero saved nine games for the Cubs, tying Danny Graves for the NL lead. Chicago is 16-10 and leads the NL Central.

Gordon was the AL's top closer in 1998, saving 46 games for Boston. But he began having elbow problems and missed most of the 1999 season before having elbow surgery. He sat out all last year recuperating.

Because Gordon has been out for so long, Baylor said he probably wouldn't use the right-hander in back-to-back games right away, giving him time to adjust and build up his strength. He also said he'd continue to use Fassero as a closer.

In one inning Thursday, Gordon struck out two and gave up one hit.

Gordon didn't like that it took until Thursday to get him into a game, either. There was no save situation on Tuesday or Wednesday, and with the Cubs' bullpen so hot right now, Baylor has plenty of options.

"I didn't come here to not be able to pitch every day. That's what they pay me for," Gordon said. "If I can't do my job, I'd rather leave."