We’ll have to forgive Charlie Manuel if the Phils’ skipper has stars in his eyes tonight.

Manuel will be managing the National League All-Star team at the Mid-Summer Classic in St. Louis.

But it’s one particular star that no doubt will be the apple of Charlie’s eye.

When Manuel watches the American League team take the field, no likely will be staring intently at the man on the mound.

That’s because starting for the AL tonight is none other than Roy Halladay.

The ace of the Toronto Blue Jays is currently at the epicenter of baseball’s trade talks. The team has indicated they are willing to listen to offers. The Phillies are interested, but it remains to be seen if they are willing to part with enough young talent to pry Halladay away from Canada. Names of blue-chippers like Kyle Drabek and Michael Taylor are being bandied about, as is currently 6-0 lefthander J.A. Happ.

In the meantime, about 1,500 miles away, a former All-Star is expected in town.

Pedro Martinez is believed to be in Philly and will take a physical today. Some people believe the former Mets and Red Sox star will sign with the Phils on Wednesday. Martinez is about two weeks away but could become an option for the fifth starter’s role. The spot has almost been jinxed ever since Brett Myers went down for the year after hip surgery.

Antonio Bastardo was first in line, but he came up with a bum shoulder.
Then Rodrigo Lopez took the hill. He left his last start with inflammation.

Martinez is seen as little more than a stopgap. Phils fans no doubt would welcome the former Met, but not if it means the Phils are bailing on the Halladay sweepstakes.

In the meantime, pity poor Charlie Manuel. He’ll be sitting in the NL dugout looking longingly out at the mound.

No doubt with stars dancing in his head.