The Zo Zone

Curt Schilling filed for free agency yesterday, which means the Phillies can call him up and talk with him about returning to Philadelphia next season.

If they did not call him yesterday, they certainly will call him this week.

(In case you were wondering, teams can talk to free agents from opposing teams about everything except money until the 15-day filing period concludes Nov. 12. Then it's open season. They can talk with them about their desire to play for their team, length of contract, etc., however.)

The Phillies definitely are interested in Schilling, although they did not say that publicly yesterday. And Schilling has said he is interested in the Phillies should the Red Sox not re-sign him. But here's what makes Schilling even more attractive to the Phillies, other than his success as a big-game pitcher and ability to help this team over the hump: he said on his radio show yesterday that he is looking for a one-year contract. Now, Schillling made $13 million this season. It's unclear how much he is looking for next season, but a one-year, $13 million contract for Schilling sounds a little better than the three-year, $24.5 million contract Adam Eaton signed last season, you know what I mean? At least if Schilling would struggle, the Phillies only would be on the hook for one season ... unlike Eaton, who is on the hook for another two.

Update: Not that this is a surprise, but Schilling listed the Phillies as a team he would consider playing for next season.

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It's no big surprise, but Aaron Rowand, Kyle Lohse and J.C. Romero are expected to hit the open market before potentially re-signing with the Phillies.

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Ruben Amaro Jr. said they are keeping dialogue open with Abraham Nunez and Antonio Alfonseca. The Phillies have no real utility infielders in their organization, so they will need somebody to replace Nunez, who can play second, third and shortstop.

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Romero and Alfonseca filed for free agency yesterday. Rowand, Nuñez, Jose Mesa and Jon Lieber filed Monday.

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The players association just sent out an e-mail today saying they forgot to mention Rod Barajas has filed for free agency. Not that it really matters to Phillies fans because he's not coming back.

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Joe Savery, the team's first-round pick in June, is pitching well in the Arizona Fall League.

The Phillies need a third baseman ...

Alex Rodriguez is a third baseman ...

He's a free agent and needs a place to play ...

Forget about it. The Phillies said earlier this month and reasserted yesterday that they have absolutely ZERO plans to pursue Rodriguez in free agency. I can't say I blame them. Rodriguez is going to be seeking a contract around 10 years, $300 million. Frankly, as good as Rodriguez is, I'm not sure it's worth it. The Phillies have led the National League in runs scored the past two seasons, so I'm not sure their offense needs a $300 million solution. I personally would sink most of their money into improving the pitching staff. And -- like they've said countless times since the season ended -- that's exactly what they want to do.

Improve the pitching ...

Improve the pitching ...

Improve the pitching ...

A-Rod? No way.

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Bodog's odds for A-Rod;

Los Angeles Angels 3/1
Los Angeles Dodgers 4/1
Chicago Cubs 9/2
Detroit Tigers 5/1
Boston Red Sox 6/1
New York Yankees 6/1
New York Mets 9/1
Philadelphia Phillies 9/1
San Francisco Giants 10/1
Field (Any Other Team) 5/2

If you would bet on the Phillies, it's wasted money.

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Aaron Rowand, Abraham Nunez, Jose Mesa and Jon Lieber filed for free agency yesterday. This is part of a formal process, so it means nothing. The Phillies continue to have exclusive negotiating rights with Rowand until 15 days after the World Series.

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Jim Salisbury talks about changed expectations in Boston, where the Red Sox are celebrating their second championship in four years.

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Bodog also gives the Phillies 12/1 odds to win the World Series next year, which ranks behind the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Indians, Tigers, Cubs and Angels.

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Red Sox Get World Series Out Of The Way

The World Series is finished -- other than the ALCS, could the 2007 postseason have been any less enjoyable or memorable? -- but at least the Phillies begin their organizational meetings today at Citizens Bank Park. It basically involves every front office official, coach and scout from every level getting together and talking about what they have in the organization and what they need to do to improve.

There's plenty to improve.

I'm going to assume you're more concerned about the major-league talent at the moment. So everybody certainly will be discussing things like:

- How far should they go to re-sign Aaron Rowand?
- If Rowand leaves, can they go an entire season with Shane Victorino in center field and Jayson Werth and Greg Dobbs/Michael Bourn in right field?
- Is Brett Myers best suited for the bullpen or rotation?
- How far should they go to sign Curt Schilling, Mike Lowell and Mariano Rivera?
- Should they try to trade Pat Burrell again?

You know, stuff like that.

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The Bill James Handbook 2008 names Cole Hamels the 10th best player in baseball under 29 years old. James also says the Phillies have the 12th-best "young talent" in baseball.

“Hamels uses the changeup more often than a high school cheerleader,” James said in a news release. “His health is the only thing that will keep him from being great—but remember, arm injuries don’t strike down some great young pitchers, they strike down most great young pitchers.”

James ranks the Phillies as 12th-best team for young talent because of Kyle Kendrick, Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Brett Myers and Shane Victorino.

“Most of the team has exited young and entered prime, but is holding on to pieces of their youth,” James said.

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Howard is hosting a baseball clinic Nov. 10 at Penn. Click here for more information.

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Bugs & Cranks finds a mini-Ryan Howard.

The Phillies consider it a priority to bring lefthander J.C. Romero back next season.

But so far the Phillies and Romero are far apart in contract talks.

"We have had some discussions," said Dan Lozano, Romero's agent from the Beverly Hills Sports Council. "But I'm not too optimistic at this point. I'm waiting to hear back from the Phillies."

It's an interesting situation. How much should Romero be paid? Neither side would say what the Phillies are offering or what Romero is looking for, but I'm guessing Romero is looking for something very similar or better to what numerous relief pitchers received on the open market last season. Three or four years. At least $3 million per season. Romero probably will get it, too. He dominated in his 51 appearances with the Phillies, but I'm sure the Phillies want to protect themselves. After all, the Red Sox released Romero midseason because he walked more batters than he had struck out. He also had a 6.70 ERA in 65 appearances last season for the Angels. So I'm sure the Phillies, who desperately need an effective lefthander in their bullpen, want him back. But they also don't want to go hog wild and have Romero return to his previous struggles and be on the hook for two or three more seasons.

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The Red Sox continue to roll. They won Game 2 of the World Series last night to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Rockies look like a different team after that eight-day layoff following the NLCS. Or maybe it's just that the AL is much better than the NL.

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Terry Francona has some tough lineup decisions as the series continues in Colorado.

The Phillies have named former Tampa Bay Devil Rays general manager Chuck LaMar as their Director of Professional Scouting.

LaMar, 51, worked last season with the Washington Nationals as the special assistant to the general manager and national crosschecker.

“Chuck brings a lot of experience in many different capacities to our club,” Phillies general manager Pat Gillick said in a news release. “We’re pleased we had the opportunity to bring someone with his background into the organization.”

LaMar was the Devil Rays' GM from 1995 to 2005. The Devil Rays never finished better than 70-91 during his tenure, although the Rays developed talents like Carl Crawford, Rocco Baldelli, Delmon Young and B.J. Upton.

He also has worked with the Braves, Pirates and Reds.

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Phillies director of publicity (aka fun and games) John Brazer survived a dog attack.

I get numerous press releases e-mailed to me every day. Most of them I immediately delete, but this one caught my eye. FOX Sports Radio e-mailed me a transcript of rapper Ja Rule's thoughts on Joe Torre leaving the Yankees.

Why did this catch my eye?

Because it reminded me of a funny bit Dave Chappelle had about Ja Rule and 9-11. Basically, Chappelle makes fun of the fact that MTV put Ja Rule on the phone to talk about 9-11 in the days following the tragedy. Chappelle said, "Who gives a (expletive) what Ja Rule thinks at a time like this? This is ridiculous. I don't want to dance. I'm scared to death. I want some answers that Ja Rule might not have right now. Do you think when bad (stuff) happens to me, I'm in the crib like, 'Oh, my God. This is terrible. Could somebody please ... find Ja Rule, get ahold of this (fine fellow) so I can make sense of all this.'"

I had the same feeling when he's talking about Torre and the Yankees.

In other words, who cares?

Here's the release:

LOS ANGELES, October 23, 2007 – Ja Rule, best-selling rap/hip-hop artist and die-hard New York City sports fan, joined Andrew Siciliano and Krystal Fernandez on FOX Game Time Live recently and discussed the Yankees and General Manager Joe Torre. Below are highlights from the interview….

SICILIANO: “I know you’re from Hollis Queens which would lead one to believe you’re a Met fan, but I have a picture of you wearing a Yankee hat. Which is it?”

JA RULE: “I switched up as I got older. I was a Met fan during the Strawberry/Doc Gooden era, but then as I got older, the Yankees became my team.”

SICILIANO: “What do you think of Joe Torre being pushed out?”

JA RULE: “I think that was kind of sour to push Joe out. You know, the Yankees are spoiled – I call them the Dankees. We’ve had so many great championship teams that we’re spoiled. So, if we don’t win, we’re deemed unsuccessful and that’s kind of a hard thing to swallow for Joe Torre because I mean four championships in twelve seasons – the Red Sox hadn’t won a championship before the one they just won since 1918, you understand – so it’s like, how could you look at this guy and say he’s not a great coach, he hasn’t done great things? I mean he’s had 90 wins every season he’s been the manager. He’s a great coach, and I think they’re making a mistake letting him go.”

SICILIANO: “Who do you want in there now? Do you want an old guy like Don Mattingly? Do you like Tony LaRussa?”

JA RULE: “I like Don. Don is old-school and he’s a true Yankee. He’s a Yankee by blood, so I wouldn’t be mad with Don. I wouldn’t be mad with Joe Girardi either. It depends. I move for Don, though.”

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Jim Salisbury tells us to reevaluate Terry Francona.

I agree. It's amazing how much smarter Francona looks with true talent in Boston, huh? I've heard managers can be responsible for winning or losing 10 games a year. I don't buy that. I think that's way too high because it always comes down to talent. If you have a terrible bullpen, no matter who you bring in you're probably going to be second guessed and called a moron. If you have a great bullpen, people will say, "Wow, he really uses his bullpen well." I guess it's human nature, but people really only remember the moves that don't work. They rarely remember the moves that do work.

Charlie Manuel used Brett Myers, Tom Gordon and J.C. Romero extensively the final few weeks of the season. Nobody complained. Why? Because they pitched well. If they would have struggled the final weekend of the season, I guarantee everybody would have said, "Manuel obviously overworked them. He didn't use them the right way. He's got to go." Guaranteed. But they finished strong and the Phillies won the NL East. But I never heard anybody credit Manuel for using the bullpen the way he did. But that's the way it is. Just like Francona.

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Here's a look at the Phillies' home schedule for 2008.

The Phillies released their 2008 schedule today, and here are a few highlights:

-- Opening Day is March 31.
-- The Phillies open and close the season at home against the Nationals.
-- They play the Red Sox and Angels at home June 16-22.
-- The Phillies also play the blue Jays at home May 16-18.
-- They travel on the road to play the Rangers and A's.
-- They do not play the Mets at home in September.
-- Like this season, they finish the season with a six-game homestand against the Braves and Nationals.

I'm sure the folks at MLB and FOX were happy to see the Red Sox pound the Indians, 11-2, in Game 7 of the ALCS.

Sure, it would have been a nice story to have the Indians in the World Series.

But the Red Sox should help the TV ratings.

In case you had not noticed, the national media loves the Red Sox and Yankees. Loves them. And I've got to think the Red Sox will beat the Rockies, who haven't played a game in more than a week. It feels like forever since the Rockies swept the Diamondbacks in the NLCS, doesn't it? So Red Sox Nation should be happy. And MLB and FOX should be happy.

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Let's also catch up on some things Jim Salisbury wrote about in Extra Bases in the Sunday paper:

- The Phillies open the 2008 season at home against the Nationals.

- The Phillies asked Tadahito Iguchi about re-signing with the Phillies as a third baseman, but he told them that he wanted to be an everyday second baseman. So now everybody can relax: the Phillies asked Iguchi. He said no. Let's move on.

- The Pirates will interview triple-A manager John Russell for their managerial vacancy.

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Also, the Phillies said today they have outrighted righthander Yoel Hernandez. He has elected for free agency.

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Salisbury also wrote about the Joe Torre situation in New York.

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Mike Lowell, who the Phillies are expected to take a run at in free agency, hit .333 with one homer and eight RBIs in the ALCS. Curt Schilling, who the Phillies also are expected to take a run at, pitched well in Game 6. I know some people would like Schilling back. I know some people would not. But if he can repeat his 2007 success next season, I don't think there's any question he would be an upgrade in the Phillies' rotation.

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Anybody surprised Paul Byrd took HGH?

Anybody believe his story?

I'm no doctor, but I'm not sure why a dentist would be prescribing HGH.

I'm wondering how closely the Phillies will be watching Game 6 of the ALCS tomorrow night at Fenway Park?

The Phillies have interest in bringing back Curt Schilling, who starts Game 6 and who could hit the open market as a free agent. And Schilling has said he would welcome a return to Philadelphia should the Red Sox not want to re-sign him. Schilling went 9-8 with a 3.87 ERA in 24 starts this season. He is 1-0 with a 3.96 ERA two postseason starts, although he allowed five earned runs in 4 2/3 innings in Game 2 of the ALCS against the Indians.

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The Yankees basically fired Joe Torre yesterday for giving him a crappy offer. I can't believe I'm actually saying a $5 million offer is crappy, but it is ... if you're Torre. If you're me? Yeah, I'd pretty much do anything for a year for $5 million. Even one of those jobs on Dirty Jobs.

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Terry Francona Sends Eric Gagne Down To Made-Up Triple-A Team

I wish I could see the preseason odds -- not that I'm into gambling or anything -- on the Rockies and Indians to make the World Series. I'm sure if I had put $100 each on the Rockies and Indians -- hypothetically speaking, of course -- I'd probably be pretty happy right now.

Of course, the Indians haven't won anything yet.

But they took a 3-1 lead over the Red Sox in the ALCS last night at Jacobs Field. Of course, everybody will mention that the Red Sox overcame a 3-0 deficit to beat the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS. But if I were a betting man -- which I'm not -- I'd take the Indians right now.

But that's just me.

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And don't think folks at MLB and Fox aren't saying, "Rockies and Indians? Who's going to watch?"

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The Rockies said Monday they aren't getting tired of pouring champagne and beer over each other's heads (Coors Light, naturally). And really, why would they ? It's like hitting somebody in the face with a shaving cream pie or dropping a water balloon on somebody from the roof of a building. It can't get old.

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Mike's Baseball Rants comes up with some interesting facts about the Rockies' ridiculous run.

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Click here to see how some Phillies prospects are performing in the Arizona Fall League. Third baseman Mike Costanzo is hitting .059 with 10 strikeouts in 17 at-bats.

The Sporting News announced its postseason awards, and Jimmy Rollins, who figures to be a top finisher for National League MVP, was not named the league's best shortstop by his peers.

That honor went to Florida's Hanley Ramirez.

Chase Utley and Aaron Rowand were named the league's best second baseman and one of the best three outfielders, respectively. But it's certainly interesting that the players didn't pick Rollins, although Ramirez absolutely had a tremendous season. Rollins hit .296 with 38 doubles, 20 triples, 30 home runs, 94 RBIs, 41 stolen bases and 139 runs scored. Ramirez hit .332 with 48 doubles, six triples, 29 home runs, 81 RBIs, 51 stolen bases and 125 runs scored. But I wouldn't fret too much. I don't think that means much as far as where Rollins will finish in the NL MVP race.

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The Rockies swept the Diamondbacks in the NLCS.

That means I'm headed home on a 7 a.m. flight this morning, barring any US Airways entanglements.

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The Indians took a 2-1 lead in the ALCS against the Red Sox. How about Kenny Lofton? The guy continues to be productive, while nobody wants him. Who's he going to be playing for next season?

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More than 5,000 birds were seized in a cockfighting raid in Southern California. There is no truth to the rumor that authorities also seized countless copies of Phillies DVDs at the site.

For those with a short memory, I wrote this story March 30, 2006:

Firm earns error for DVD goof
New meaning for "Fightin' Phillies."

By Todd Zolecki
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

Baseball treasures its traditions, which is why the national pastime is so special to so many people.

There have been no reported complaints from cockfighting fans who have been sent Phillies highlights by mistake.

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Torre, Steinbrenner Have Most Awkward Bathroom Encounter Of Their Lives

It's been a while, so let's take a look at what some Phillies bloggers are saying:

A Citizen's Blog offers its blueprint for 2008, with promises to look this week at Aaron Rowand's free agent status, Johan Santana possibily joining the Phillies, Citizens Bank Park and Chris Coste.

Balls, Sticks, & Stuff offers its take on Curt Schilling, and the rumor about the Phillies selling the team within two years.

The post about the rumored sale is interesting. Here's what I've learned as a reporter: always listen for the non-denial denial, which is a term I first heard watching All the President's Men. In the movie, Richard Nixon's cronies start bashing the Watergate stories in The Washington Post -- without ever calling them untrue or lies.

In one scene, Post editor Ben Bradlee (played by Jason Robards) said, "All non-denial denials ... They don't say the story is inaccurate."

To which Carl Bernstein (played by Dustin Hoffman) said, "What's a real denial?"

Bradlee replied, "If they ever start calling us goddamn liars -- it's time to start circling the wagons."

What would a non-denial denial have been in this case? It could have been something like, "This is just wishful thinking on somebody's part." Or, "We receive inquiries from time to time about the team's availability. We're always respectful enough to listen, but we've never taken them seriously." Instead Phillies president David Montgomery adamantly told The Inquirer, "Nothing could be further from the truth. There's absolutely nothing to it. Nothing. Nothing." Phillies vice president of public relations Larry Shenk told the Daily News that the report was "totally ridiculous and absurd . . . The rumors are totally inaccurate and false. There is absolutely no truth to this story at all."

Those sound like pretty strong denials.

We Should Be GM's is answering questions you guys have posted in my Q&A forum. Hey, it works for me.

The Good Phight won't miss Abraham Nunez.

Philliesflow writes about the dominant offenses in the NL East.

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Seriously, I think Phillies fans should take a different perspective about the NLDS after watching the Rockies take a 3-0 lead in the NLCS. Everything these guys do works. Unbelievable.

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Jim Salisbury writes about an unusual start time tonight for Game 3 of the ALCS: 7 p.m.! We're not so lucky in Denver, where Game 4 tonight starts after 10 p.m.

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We have finalists for the Sexiest Fan in Baseball. Personally, I'm disappointed in most of the finalists. In other news, this guy won Sexiest Beat Writer in Baseball.

(And no Phillies fans made the cut?)

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Dane Cook: Please, SHUT UP.

(Thanks to B Dub, who pointed out these Cook spoofs on SNL).

Is it crazy to think Curt Schilling and Scott Rolen would return to Philadelphia next season?

Jim Salisbury looks at those possibilities in The Inquirer's Sunday baseball column. It's interesting to think about. Schilling already has said that he would have the Phillies on his short list, if the Red Sox choose not to re-sign him. The Phillies will look into it, especially if Schilling would take a one-year contract. I absolutely would keep an eye on Schilling. Rolen? Salisbury wasted no time shooting down that possibility. Rolen doesn't get along with Tony La Russa, but he doesn't get along with Philadelphia even more. No chance there.

But the Phillies definitely want to upgrade at third base, so I think Mike Lowell is a better bet. Or Garrett Atkins, should the Rockies make him available.

Also check out Salisbury's Extra Bases, which talks about Brett Myers' future and the Phillies' need to re-sign J.C. Romero.

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I had a short blurb on the Phillies bringing back their entire coaching staff, but it's nowhere to be found online. Either that, or I'm just missing it. Regardless, just check out the previous post below.

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The Indians beat the Red Sox last night in Game 2, 13-6, in 11 innings. Schilling did not pitch well.

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Yes, I'm in Denver covering the NLCS. It's supposed to be freezing and raining tonight. Awesome. And when I say awesome, I mean totally sweet. But the Diamondbacks think they're in fine shape entering Game 3, especially Eric Byrnes. He actually thinks the Diamondbacks have outplayed the Rockies so far.

Uh, riiiiiiiiight.

I just got to my hotel in Denver after a 7 a.m. flight, which followed an 11-inning game that began after 10 p.m. Eastern, so I'm going to be lazy and paste the news release from the Phillies announcing the return of the entire Phillies coaching staff for 2008. But I will say this was expected. The only hold up had been bench coach Jimy Williams, but any issues there had been ironed out.

All coaches have been signed to one-year contracts.

But before we get to the release, Curt Schilling said he would like to return to Philadelphia if the Red Sox do not re-sign him. Keep an eye on that, especially if Schilling is sincere when he says he would take a one-year contract. I think if that's the case, the Phillies would jump all over that.

Here is the release about the coaching staff:

PHILLIES RENEW ENTIRE COACHING STAFF FOR 2008 SEASON

The Phillies' coaching staff, which instructed the team to the National League East Division championship, has been renewed for the 2008 season, the club announced today.

Rich Dubee (pitching), Ramon Henderson (bullpen), Davey Lopes (first base), Steve Smith (third base), Milt Thompson (hitting) and Jimy Williams (bench) have all had their contracts extended through the 2008 season, as well as catching instructor Mick Billmeyer.

"I couldn't be happier with the job my coaches did this year," said manager Charlie Manuel. "Their hard work paid off in a big way when we won the division."

Dubee, 50, handled a club-record 28 different pitchers this past season with seven of them making their major league debuts. The team also set a franchise record with nine different pitchers getting saves. Overall, Dubee guided the pitching staff through injuries to starting pitchers Adam Eaton, Cole Hamels, Jon Lieber and Freddy Garcia and relievers Tom Gordon, Ryan Madson, Brett Myers and Mike Zagurski, among others.

In his first season with the Phillies, the 62-year-old Lopes coached the club to the best stolen base percentage in major league history. The team stole 138 bases - second-best in the NL - and was thrown out only 19 times, good for an 87.9% success rate. Both Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino finished in the NL's top 10 in both stolen bases and stolen base percentage. Lopes also oversaw the outfield defense. In 2007, the Phillies had 39 outfield assists, tops in the NL and second only to Tampa Bay among all major league clubs. Aaron Rowand (11), Victorino (10) and Jayson Werth (9) all finished in the top 10 in the league in outfield assists.

For the second time in as many seasons, Thompson, 48, oversaw an offense that led the NL in runs. The team total of 892 was the most by any Phillies club since 1930, when they scored 944 runs. Also in 2007, the Phillies led the NL in triples (41), walks (641), slugging percentage (.458), extra-base hits (580), total bases (2,605) and times on base (2,289), while finishing second in home runs (213).

In addition to his bench coach duties as Manuel's second-in-command, the 64-year-old Williams also was in charge of the pitchers' hitting and bunting. Under his watch, the Phillies' pitching staff finished fourth in the NL with 51 hits, 22 more than the 2006 team (29), and led all NL staffs in runs scored (28). Their 39 sacrifice bunts was 10 more than the previous year (29).

For Henderson, 2008 will be his 11th season as a coach with the Phillies, the longest active streak in the NL East. For the third straight season, Henderson, 44, served as a pitcher for the Century 21 Home Run Derby during the All-Star break. Under Billmeyer's supervision, Phillies catchers threw out the third-most runners in the NL (31). Only the Dodgers (37) and Nationals (33) threw out more. Smith returns for his second season as third base coach and infield instructor.

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My description of Arizona fans after Game 1 made the Arizona Republic today.

Not sure if anybody watched Game 1 of the NLCS last night at Chase Field, but if you didn't ... the Rockies beat the Diamondbacks, 5-1. And a bunch of Diamondbacks fans threw water bottles on the field because they got upset (look at all of them in that picture, such a travesty).

Imagine if that had happened in Philly.

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Tonight's game starts after 10 p.m. Eastern.

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Not much Phillies news, other than my story on the Phillies cutting ties with Rod Barajas and Abraham Nunez. Oh, and expect the Phillies coaching staff to return in its entirety. Except, of course, unless Jimy Williams finds work elsewhere. But otherwise everybody should be back: pitching coach Rich Dubee, hitting coach Milt Thompson, first base coach Davey Lopes, third base coach Steve Smith, bullpen coach Ramon Henderson and catching instructor Mick Billmeyer.

An official announcement won't be made until contracts are finalized.

OK, that's probably a little strong.

But the Phillies today declined the club 2008 options on catcher Rod Barajas and infielder Abraham Nunez. Righthander Kane Davis also was designated for assignment.

Barajas proved to be a major disappointment for the Phillies. He made $2.5 million this season and ended up hitting .230 with four home runs and 10 RBI in 48 games. By the end of the season, Barajas basically was the team's No. 4 catcher behind Carlos Ruiz, Chris Coste and Pete LaForest. Nunez hit .234 with 16 RBI in 136 games, including 51 starts at third base. Unless the Phillies bring back Nunez back for less money, they will need to find a utility infielder next season.

Now that Charlie Manuel is signed through 2009, the Phillies need to start making moves to improve their team.

Manuel talked about his wish list yesterday at Citizens Bank Park, where the Phillies announced his two-year contract extension with a team option for 2010. Not surpisingly, that list included lots and lots of pitching. Interestingly, Phillies president David Montgomery said that when the season ended the team's payroll was about $103 million (not sure if he's talking about the 40-man payroll or the 25-man payroll), and he expected to at least maintain that number in 2008. The Phillies have had around a $95 million payroll for the 25-man roster the last few seasons, so an extra $10 million should give the Phillies a little more flexibility.

But does that mean they'll be able to improve their pitching, re-sign Aaron Rowand and upgrade at third base?

I'm not convinced.

But it sure beats the alternative, which is going back to $95 million.

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The Phillies are selling the team!

Or not.

Montgomery adamantly denied speculation yesterday that the Phillies were looking for buyers. I've been covering this team for five years, and it seems every year somebody says the Phillies are looking to sell. This seems to be one of those times, if you believe what Montgomery said yesterday and what Bill Giles said last summer before the All-Star Game in Pittsburgh.

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Phil Sheridan would like to see what kind of manager Manuel is ... with a real pitching staff and more production at third base and elsewhere.

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I flew yesterday to Phoenix for the NLCS.

Yes, they're still playing it.

No, we're not sure how many people will be watching.

But tickets for Games 1 and 2 remained available as of late last night. I could actually purchase 25 tickets as of midnight Eastern. Incredible. How come I get the feeling that if the Phillies had beaten the Rockies, there would be Phillies fans scooping up tickets and buying airfare to Phoenix for the next couple days?

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Good news for Phillies fans. Braves general manager John Schuerholz is stepping down.

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Gotta love travel. Got up yesterday at 4:45 a.m. to head to the airport. Got to the airport and checked a bag with US Airways only to find I've got a middle seat for the five-hour flight to Phoenix. Got on the plane and I'm ready to go when the pilot said something about the plane being "dead." Swear to God. Computer problem or something. So he told us to hang tight, relax and wait until they found another plane. They found one. We were in Terminal C. The new plane was in Terminal A. If you've been to the Philly airport, you know that's a hike. So we got off the plane and walked to our new gate only to find there were more computer problems, this time airport-wide. So we waited. We finally got on the new plane. And, yes, I still had a middle seat.

I tried to drug myself to sleep on the flight. Didn't work. Arrived in Phoenix. Went to Hertz to pick up a car. The lady gave me a car that wasn't there. Straight out of Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Seriously. One of my favorite movies, so I actually laughed when I discovered this. Went back. Told her the Corrolla she assigned me wasn't there. She said it might not be a Corrolla. Just check the plate number. If the plate matches, take it. I walked back. It didn't match. Went back. She assigned me a new car ... which had just been returned and needed to be cleaned. So I waited some more. Finally it showed up, and I took off for my hotel in Scottsdale.

Got to the hotel. Naturally, the room wasn't ready.

Let's hope the trip to Denver runs a little more smoothly.

Charlie Manuel will be in red pinstripes next season.

According to baseball sources, The Inquirer has learned tonight that the Phillies and Manuel, who this season led the Phillies to their first National League East championship since 1993, have agreed to two-year contract with a team option for the 2010 season.

An official announcement is expected at a news conference tomorrow.

Manuel and his agent, Pat Rooney, met with Phillies general manager Pat Gillick and other front office officials for most of the day yesterday at Citizens Bank Park. Gillick said earlier today they had made progress.

“That’s kind of where we are,” Gillick said.

Manuel worked the entire 2007 as a lame duck manager. He said repeatedly during the year that he had no concerns about his future, but Manuel certainly wanted security with his next contract.

That meant at least two years.

The Phillies had told Manuel they would like him back next year during the final week of the season, when the Phillies became the first team in baseball history to overcome a seven-game deficit with 17 games to play to make the playoffs.

Charlie Manuel and Pat Gillick meet today to talk about Manuel's next contract.

I'm interested to see how these negotiations go.

They should go relatively quickly. But there are some potential hang ups. Are the Phillies interested in only a one-year contract for Manuel because Gillick has said he won't return after 2008? A one-year contract for Manuel would allow the next GM to hire his own man, if he chooses. But anything less than a two-year offer would be an insult to Manuel, who had to work as a lame duck the entire season with no hints from Gillick that they wanted him back until the very end of the season. That's no way to work, although Manuel doesn't have much juice in these negotiations.

Where else would he go?

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The Phillies cleared out their lockers yesterday at Citizens Bank Park, so I tried to break down how much money the Phillies will have to spend in the off-season to improve a team that needs serious pitching help.

They don't have as much to spend as people probably think.

The Phils have committed more than $64 million in salaries for 2008: Pat Burrell ($14 million), Brett Myers ($8.5 million), Jimmy Rollins ($8 million), Adam Eaton ($7.635 million), Chase Utley ($7.5 m