Alright, so that's not exactly accurate... but the Phillies sure didn't help the Pirates get that most out of the $10 million they owed veteran starter Matt Morris.

Less than 24 hours after the Phillies chased the right-hander with 6 runs in the first 1 2/3 innings of Saturday night's game, Pittsburgh released Morris. He was due to make $10,037,283 - one fifth of the team's payroll - and will be owed a $1 million buyout for 2009.

Ryan Howard buoyed the Phillies offense off Morris with a two-run home run - the first of career against the Pirates - in Saturday night's win.

Morris was 0-4 with a 9.67 ERA this season. The 33-year-old seemed resigned to the fact that this was the right decision for all parties - and sounded like a man who's ready to retire.

"It's been difficult," Morris said. "I could feel it all coming to an end in a hurry. It's not what I planned, but it's best for the organization, best for the team. I've been a burden on the bullpen. It's been hard to deal with mentally."

"I've accepted it," he said. "It was a great segment of my life. I really can't wait to move on and be with my family. It's a sad day, but it's also a joyful day. ... I'm proud of my career. I didn't mean or want for it to end this way. I've always said the other team will let you know when you're done."

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Quick update on Kris Benson, who suffered a groin strain in an extended spring training start Saturday: according to Phillies team trainer Scott Sheridan, Benson was feeling a lot better on Sunday.

His status is currently day-to-day.

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The Archive Files

Has the sleeping giant woken up? Ryan Howard's first inning home run broke him out of a funk and helped the Phillies take their first series in Pittsburgh since 2001.

In the notebook, it's injury news and updates galore.

In the Sunday notes column, Delco native Taylor Buchholz is off to a strong start, a Nationals outfielder cleans cages at the zoo, and more...