As expected, the Phils are retaining Cliff Lee for 2010.

Lee, who was in the last year of a 4-year, $15 million deal, had a $9 million option for '10 in that contract. Being that he went 7-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 12 regular season starts and 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA in five playoff games, Lee was an easy decision for the Phils.

The team also holds a club option on Pedro Feliz ($5 million); GM Ruben Amaro Jr. told reporters the Phils are still in the process of deciding whether or not to pick that option up (there's a $500,000 buyout). The Phils may be exploring an upgrade or at least someone who brings more versatility (Mark DeRosa and Chone Figgins, both free agents, would be attractive because of their ability to play 2B and the outfield, along with 3B).

Amaro said the team has until Monday to decide on Feliz's option.


Also: Plenty of Phils are getting end-of-the-season exams that could lead to surgery.

The surprise was Brad Lidge. He'll have his elbow examined.

Amaro believes Lidge might have the same ailment as Scott Eyre - a loose body in his pitching elbow. If both need to have surgery to clear loose bodies in their arms, it is not expect to be the kind that would keep either from being ready to go for '10.

Raul Ibanez was also expected to have his groin/abdomen looked at. The team could know as early as Monday whether he would need to go under the knife, too.


As for roster makeup, here's a story in today's Daily Times.