Phollowing the Phillies

Amaro: We're better than we were in '09

2010-02-01T18:39:00.002-05:00

In a few hours, that rascally, famous February rodent Punxsutawney Phil will emerge from his hole and let us know what he thinks about Mother Nature's plan for what's left of the official winter season.

With spring training on the horizon -- the first workout is two weeks from Thursday -- Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. entered a conference room at the Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill, NJ and gave his own forecast.

The 2010 Phillies are better than Version09.

Amaro spoke to reporters before the Phillies were honored as the "Team of the Year" at the 106th edition of the Philadelphia Sportswriters Association's annual banquet. Here's a little of what the GM of the city's top team said (for more, check out the Daily Times Tuesday -- on the newsstand and at delcotimes.com).

"I will tell you think," Amaro said. "I think our rotation is better, I think our overall club on the field is better. We have more experience, we have more All-Star players playing every day. I think our bench is better. Whether we stay healthy and we play good baseball, that’s kind of up to the players at this stage of the game and up to the baseball gods. I think overall our club, I believe our club is better going into spring training than it was last year."

Ruiz passes physical, three-year, $8.85 deal done

2010-01-26T15:01:00.002-05:00

The Phillies are about to hold their third press conference in the last five days to announce a three-year contract with one of their core players.

Less than a week after hammering out similar deals with Joe Blanton and Shane Victorino, the Phils reached the finish line on a three-year, $8.85 million deal with catcher Carlos "Chooch" Ruiz.

The contract, which includes a club option for a fourth season, buys out the remaining three arbitration years Ruiz had.

The 31-year-old Ruiz hit .255 last season with a career-high nine home runs and 43 RBI in 107 games. Behind the plate, he threw out 15 of 76 potential basestealers (19.7%). Ruiz batted a team-best .341 during the 2009 playoffs.

Ruiz made $475,000 in 2009.

Another three-year deal? Ruiz deal looks close to finished

2010-01-24T19:03:00.003-05:00

According to a report by CSNPhilly.com, the Phillies and Carlos Ruiz have reached a three-year, $9 million deal that is pending a physical.

The deal would be the third and final multi-year contract the Phils have hammered out with arbitration-eligible players in the last four days.

The contract won't be confirmed by the team until Ruiz takes a physical, which may not be until later this week. Ruiz hit .255 with nine home runs and 43 RBIs in 2009.

He's caught every inning of every playoff game in the last three seasons.

Phils add Jose Contreras?

2010-01-22T16:12:00.003-05:00

The Phils apparently weren't done with the deals after back to back press conferences with Joe Blanton and Shane Victorino.

Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes.com is reporting the Phils have signed veteran Jose Contreras to a one-year contract, pending a physical.

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. kept his comments minimal, which isn't any different than most deals the team makes that are pending a physical.

"I can't really make any comment," Amaro said. "We've talked with the agent, but there's nothing to confirm."

If the deal does become official, it's likely that Contreras could enter spring training in much of the same fashion that Chan Ho Park was in a year ago. Contreras could compete for the fifth spot in the rotation or add bullpen depth.

Amaro admitted the team is looking to address both areas.

Contreras was 5-13 with a 5.42 ERA last year for the Chicago White Sox before getting traded to the Colorado Rockies in late August. Contreras, 38, was 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA in seven games, including two starts. He pitched twice in the playoffs, giving up one run in two innings, while earning a hold.

Victorino deal appears imminent

2010-01-21T20:28:00.003-05:00

Less than an hour after Joe Blanton's press conference was finished, a deal with one of the other two arbitration-eligible players appeared imminent. A team official said something could happen Friday.

According to two web sites, CSNPhilly.com and MLB.com, that something appears to be a contract extension for Shane Victorino.

According to both reports, the 29-year-old Victorino will finalize a three-year contract extension Friday. The deal would buy out the center fielder's last two year's of arbitration and one year for free agency.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed in either report.

When the two sides exchanged requested salaries for the arbitration process Tuesday, Victorino submitted $5.8 million and the Phils countered with $4.75 million. Victorino is scheduled to attend Jimmy Rollins’ wedding in the Grand Cayman Islands Saturday.

Phils, Blanton agree on three-year contract extension

2010-01-21T14:48:00.005-05:00

All the talk about how much Joe Blanton was requesting in arbitration and how much the Phillies were countering with is now pretty meaningless.

The Phils announced today that the two sides, almost $3 million apart in initial arbitration figures, have come to an agreement on a three-year, $24 million contract. Blanton will meet the media to talk about the deal later this afternoon.

The 29-year-old Blanton could have filed for free agency after the upcoming season.

Two days ago, on the day arbitration eligible players and teams submit salary requests, Blanton asked for $10.25 million while the Phils countered with $7.5 million.

Blanton was 12-8 with a 4.05 ERA in 31 regular season starts in 2009. He made $5.475 million last year.

Lidge's right knee undergoes surgery. Again.

2010-01-14T16:23:00.002-05:00

Brad Lidge underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Wednesday. The procedure, performed by team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti at the Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, puts the closer’s availability for Opening Day in jeopardy.

“The surgery went well and Brad is expected to begin his throwing program in 10 days,” head team athletic trainer Scott Sheridan said in a press release. “We’re not sure if he’ll be ready by Opening Day, but we don’t expect that he’ll be too far behind. This surgery was not directly related to any previous surgeries.”

“Any time a guy has an operation it’s a concern,” general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told the Daily Times. “But on a scale of 1-to-10, we see this as a 3. We’re not concerned enough to have it be a dramatic issue.”

More in Friday's Daily Times (and, of course, also on delcotimes.com).

Baez deal done

2010-01-05T12:26:00.002-05:00

The Phillies checked off another item on their offseason to-do list today, when they officially announced the signing of veteran reliever Danys Baez to a two-year, $5.25 million contract.

Baez adds back-end-of-the-bullpen experience to a returning group that includes Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson and J.C. Romero.

From the Phillies press release, issued at noon:

Baez, 32, went 4-6 with a 4.02 ERA in 59 appearances for the Baltimore Orioles last season. He had a 2.92 ERA in 57 of his 59 appearances. Baez held opposing hitters to a .222 average, including .197 against right-handed hitters, and induced 137 ground balls, which was tied for fifth-most among American League relievers. In his final 19 games of the season, Baez posted a 3.06 ERA and a .190 opponents’ batting average.

“Danys brings both experience and success to our bullpen,” said Amaro. “He has played a variety of roles throughout his career and we felt he was an excellent fit for our staff.”

The Phils will introduce Baez at Citizens Bank Park this afternoon. Baez, who pitched for Charlie Manuel briefly in Cleveland, will wear No.55.

Done deal: Phils to introduce Mr. Halladay

2009-12-16T14:43:00.003-05:00

The deal is done. Seriously. It's over. You can go home now.

Just got word that the four-team, baseball bonanza blockbuster that sends one Cy Young winner to Philadelphia (Roy Halladay, in case you hadn't heard) and another to Seattle (Cliff Lee) with prospects heading to Toronto and Oakland.

It took about 48 hours since all teams agreed on the structure of the deal, but, as they say, good things come to those who wait. Phils fans, you have the best pitcher in baseball on your team - and not just for 2010, but for at least the next four years.

Trade winner? The Phillies.

They're introducing their new ace at 5 p.m. today at Citizens Bank Park.

He'll likely make his debut on opening day, Monday April 5, at Washington. And, if you're looking for that last-minute Christmas gift, or are returning Cliff Lee gear, here's a tip: Halladay will wear No.34.

(hey, you can just change the name on the jersey from Lee to Halladay. how convenient.)

Halladay watch: Day 3

2009-12-16T14:22:00.003-05:00

Have you ever been on a stakeout?

No, not the police-kind. And if you've actually done that, I'd like your input. Looks like a lot of eating cheeseburgers and carbonated beverages while sitting in a 30-year-old, beat-up car.

The baseball stakeouts are about as exciting.

It was nearly two years ago (22 months, to be exact) that a bunch of us baseball writer-types were huddled down at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club in St. Petersburg, awaiting word on Ryan Howard's arbitration case.

"Resort and Golf Club?" Sounds fancy, right? Well, we got kicked out of the lobby (unless we went in to buy a $5 pack of gum or $9 beer). So we were stuck outside the lobby, in these fancy but not-so-comfortable wicker-ish seats.

Internet access was spotty. I was writing on my iPhone. (iPhone owners realize this isn't exactly ideal for typing more than a couple words).

Anyway, it was a magnificent way to spend a day. From about 9 am until 6 or 7 p.m., a bunch of us, staring at each other, and waiting for some rich dudes in suits to exit.

They finally did. We got some quotes.

But the waiting, as Tom Petty once said, is the hardest part.

Which brings us to present day, Day 3 of Halladay Watch. The mood is tense; I have been on some serious, serious reports but nothing quite like this. I uh... Ching... King is inside right now. I tried to get an interview with him, but they said no, you can't do that he's a live bear, he will literally rip your face off.

Guess the movie line above and win a prize.

Here's apparently why we're all still waiting: someone has failed to pass their physical.

Relax: it's not Halladay. A Phils' team source told me the big guy passed his exam already.

According to some reports out on the world wide web, it's one of four guys: Brett Wallace, the first baseman moving from OAK to TOR, or one of the three minor leaguers leaving the Phils' organization (Drabek, Taylor, D'Arnaud).

Taylor did have a minor ailment this fall, so it might be that.

But here's the good news; according to sources, this isn't anything that's going to hold up the trade.

Wait, more news as we type: the "failed physical" reports may in fact be false. Don't you love when it takes over 48 hours to complete a trade? It causes people to start making stuff up. Sweet.

Now I'm hearing this could be done by dinner time, or if you're a late eater, rush hour time.

That would translate as between 4-7 p.m. We think.

Until then, more waiting....

Halladay and Phillies agree to deal -- now what?

2009-12-15T13:16:00.004-05:00

Less than 24 hours after the rumor mill circulated that the Phils were involved ina three-team trade that would net them coveted Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay, first reported by SI.com, the team and their new ace have apparently got one, potentially deal-breaking hurdle out of the way.

According to ESPN.com, the Phils and Halladay have come to terms on a contract extension that will pay Halladay upward of $20 million (or more) per season and keep the 32-year-old, former Cy Young winner in Philadelphia through at least 2013.

Now what?

All the teams involved have to agree on the prospects being exchanged. According to numerous reports, this appears to be a done deal as well: the Phils are reportedly sending top pitching prospect Kyle Drabek, five-tool outfielder Michael Taylor and top catching prospect Travis D'Arnaud to Toronto and, in exchange for Cliff Lee, Seattle is shipping Phillippe Aumont, the M's top prospect, along with pitcher Juan Ramirez and outfielder Tyson Gillies to South Philly.

CSNPhilly.com also reported the Jays are sending $6 million to the Phils in the deal, presumably to help pay off the $15.75 million remaining in Halladay's current contract (which was on tap to expire following 2010).

But it appears Halladay's contract won't expire; instead it's been renewed by the Phillies at an affordable figure (if you compare it to what fellow Cy Young Award winners CC Sabathia, Johan Santana and Barry Zito have got on the open market).

With a lot of moving bodies, physicals, medical reports and dollars moving 'round, there's a chance this thing still won't go official until Wednesday. Phillies officials - including GM Ruben Amaro - have not commented or returned phone calls to confirm or deny any of the many swirling stories regarding the blockbuster trades.

Halladay to Philly: What we know and what you should know about the nearly-done deal

2009-12-14T19:08:00.005-05:00

Roy Halladay is in Philadelphia.

He is taking a physical, according to the AP.

But he's also likely talking to the Phils brass about a contract extension.

When both of those tasks are finished - a clean bill of health and a shiny, new long-term contract - it appears Roy Halladay will finally put on the red pinstripes at a press conference at Citizens Bank Park.

The Phillies are not commenting Monday on anything Halladay-related. But the fact that the pitcher is in town is really all you need to know.

When the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed, it appears Cliff Lee will be sent to Seattle and a group of top-flight prospects are headed to the Toronto Blue Jays in a holiday blockbuster, three-team trade.

According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, the Phils and Halladay could agree to a three-year deal in the neighborhood of $60 million (keeping him locked in until at least 2013). (According to Stark, the deal could also include possible vesting options that could extend the union another year or two.)

While Johan Santana (six years, $137.5 million), CC Sabathia (7-161) and Barry Zito (7-126) have raised the price on Cy Young award-winning pitchers in recent offseasons, Halladay appears in line to give the Phillies a bit of a "hometown" discount. He's expressed a desire to play for the Phillies, who spend two months for spring training in Clearwater, Fla., minutes away from the Jays' spring site of Dunedin and a short drive from Halladay's offseason home.

Why trade Cliff Lee? Like Halladay, Lee was due to be a free agent after the 2010 season. But unlike Halladay, Lee was almost certainly going to test the free agent market and less open to agreeing to a long-term deal before filing for free agency. (Lee saw former teammate CC Sabathia strike rich just last winter on the open market).

Phillies fans dreaming of having a rotation with Halladay and Lee should realize this: if the Phils traded for Halladay without dealing Lee, they likely would have had to deal J.A. Happ to Toronto and Joe Blanton elsewhere (to clear salary space) and, thus, would have a very talented, but top-heavy rotation.

The tradeoff of the current, proposed deal is this: rather than get Cliff Lee for one more year, you have control over Halladay and Happ (not to mention keeping top prospect Kyle Drabek, too) for the foreseeable future. So instead of going for broke with Halladay-Lee-Hamels in 2010, the Phils are setting themselves up to have a talented, deep rotation for the next four years, if not longer.

Halladay season: Phils acquire Halladay, according to SI

2009-12-14T16:17:00.003-05:00

Apparently all the talk has been backed up with action.

2009-12-14T16:14:00.001-05:00

Halladay season?

According to multiple reports and sightings on the street, Roy Halladay is in Philadelphia. He's not a Phillie, however.

At least not yet.

But his presence in Philly means a couple of things: trade talks have heated up enough that Halladay could be taking a physical and/or negotiating a long-term deal (he's a free agent after 2010), and thus, the Phils six-month long pursuit of the Toronto pitcher may be nearing a positive end.

Rumors swirled late last week that the Phils could use Cliff Lee in a three-way deal to get Halladay (Halladay has expressed interest in playing in Philly and would presumably be easier to sign long term than Lee, who is also a FA after '10).

But that's all rumor talk for now. The only concrete info is Roy Halladay is in Philadelphia, and my guess is he's not in town for a Sixers game.

Phils set Condrey free

2009-12-13T01:23:00.003-05:00

Between debating who would play third in 2010 (Polanco), to giving the bench a facelift, to working his tail off to find a way to another ace (you may have heard Roy Halladay's name a few times already, right?), Ruben Amaro Jr. hasn't had much of an "offseason."

While most baseball types enjoy a break in November and December, general managers have one issue after another to tackle between Halloween and New Year's Day. Amaro faced one of those issues Saturday, with a midnight deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players (the Phillies had five).

Amaro tendered contracts to reliever Chad Durbin, catcher Carlos Ruiz, starter Joe Blanton and outfielder Shane Victorino; barring any contract extension talks, all four are essentially signed to one-year deals for the 2010 season.

The Phillies did not, however, tender a contract to reliever Clay Condrey. Thus, the 34-year-old righthander has become a free agent.

Condrey went 6-2 with a 3.00 ERA in 2009, but was pestered with an oblique injury that sent him to the disabled list twice and limited him to 45 games.

Condrey went 16-8 with a 3.65 ERA in four seasons with the Phillies. In six major league seasons, he is 18-12 with a 4.10 ERA.

The Phillies still have the option to re-sign Condrey, but they may be looking to upgrade. Just as Condrey became a free agent at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, some other notable players hit the open market, too.

Among them, right-hander Mike McDougal. The 32-year-old MacDougal was non-tendered by Washington after excelling as the Nats' closer in 2009.

MacDougal converted 20 of 21 save chances. He was 1-1 with a 3.60 ERA.

Another intriguing name: Matt Capps. Like the Nationals, the Pirates set their closer free at midnight.

Capps struggled some in 2009, but racked up 66 saves in the last three seasons as Pittsburgh's closer.

The Phillies have been in pursuit of late-inning relief help this winter, and both MacDougal and Capps could fit the bill.

Phillies complete 2010 bench with Gload, according to reports

2009-12-09T00:39:00.006-05:00

I'm not in Indy for the Winter Meetings, but I've tried to follow what I can from back home - via the world wide web, MLB Network, etc. Shortly after the clocks turned to Wednesday here in Philly, I saw various reports that the Phils have signed Ross Gload to a two-year deal to complete their bench.

I believe MLB.com or Comcast was first with the news. The Phillies have not confirmed the signing and, quite honestly, I'm not calling Ruben Amaro Jr. after midnight about Ross Gload.

It's Ross Gload, after all.

I digress. Gload (No.7 in that pic) is actually a pretty good bench player. He hit .261 with six home runs and 30 RBIs in 230 at-bats last season for the Marlins. He's a .283 career hitter in eight major-league seasons with five teams.

Gload is a outfielder/first baseman. He's played the majority of his time at first base in recent years, but for some reason I don't see him manning first too much in Philly (if you forgot, the Phils have a perennial MVP candidate who plays there).

In addition to where he plays with the glove, Gload is left-handed, meaning, as it stands now, he and Greg Dobbs are the left-handed bench guys and Ben Francisco and Juan Castro are the right-handers. Brian Schneider, of course, is the backup catcher.

So here's how the bench has changed since the season ended:

Schneider replaced Paul Bako, Castro replaced Eric Bruntlett and now it appears (once the team confirms it) that Gload will replace Matt Stairs.

What do you think? All upgrades?

Phillies pen Polanco to three-year deal

2009-12-03T13:08:00.005-05:00

It's homecoming week in Philadelphia.

First, Allen Iverson strolled back into the Wachovia Center.

Now likable former Phillies infielder Placido Polanco is also back in the South Philly Sports Complex.

The Phils announced they came to terms on a three-year, $18 million deal Thursday afternoon. The contract includes a mutual option for a fourth year.

"“We’re very happy to have Placido back in a Phillies uniform. He’s a professional hitter who will enhance our lineup," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "As a Gold Glove infielder, we’re very confident that he will make a smooth transition back to third base. Polly also gives us some added versatility at second base if and when Chase needs a rest.”

The Phillies acquired Polanco in the July 2002 trade that sent Scott Rolen to St. Louis. But he was traded three summers later to Detroit in a trade that netted the team reliever Ugueth Urbina and infielder Ramon Martinez.

In 297 games with the Phillies, Polanco hit .297 with 38 home runs, 160 RBI and 23 stolen bases.

Polanco's numbers haven't declined since he was traded away. He's hit over .300 in three of the last five seasons and never saw his batting average sink lower than .285 at the end of any of those seasons. He was elected as the starting second baseman for the American League All-Star team in 2007.
Polanco will replace Pedro Feliz as the Phillies every day third baseman. Although he hasn't played third base regularly since his time in Philly, his addition is an upgrade to a lineup arguably among the best in baseball. A career .303 hitter, Polanco is every manager's dream for the No.2-hole hitter: he's smart, makes consistent contact and can hit the ball to the opposite field.

A projected Opening Day lineup:

1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Placido Polanco, 3B
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Jayson Werth, RF
6. Raul Ibanez, LF
7. Shane Victorino, CF
8. Carlos Ruiz, C
9. Cliff Lee, P

The new lineup provides more balance, with Victorino, a switch hitter with speed, sliding down to the seventh spot.

Phils fill backup catcher vacancy by signing veteran Schneider

2009-12-01T12:28:00.003-05:00

The Phillies moved one step closer to filling out their bench for the 2010 season.

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced Tuesday the team came to an agreement on a two-year deal with veteran free agent Brian Schneider.

“We feel Brian is ideal for our ballclub,” said Amaro. “He has played in the NL East for this entire decade, so he knows the opposing hitters in this division well and he has also proven he can handle the bat. He’s a guy that we would feel comfortable with playing for an extended period of time, if needed.”

The 33-year-old Schneider hit .218 with three home runs and 18 RBI in 59 games last season for the Mets.

In the last six seasons, Schneider was the Opening Day catcher for the Mets (2008-09) and the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals (2004-07). Since making his major league debut in 2000, Schneider has thrown out 183 baserunners -- the most for any National League catcher.

Schneider would replace Paul Bako as the backup catcher to starter Carlos Ruiz. A week ago, the Phils came to a handshake agreement with utility infielder Juan Castro.

With a little over two months til spring training, the Phils have four-fifths of their bench complete with Schneider, Castro and returning reserves Greg Dobbs and Ben Francisco.

2009-11-16T14:04:00.001-05:00

J.A. Happ loses to Coghlan

The NL Rookie of the year award winner was just announced. Florida outfielder Chris Coghlan (105 points) edged Phils lefty J.A. Happ (94 points).

Happ was 12-4 with a 2.93 ERA this season.

Rollins, Victorino snag Gold Gloves

2009-11-11T15:03:00.005-05:00

In the twisted way the voters (managers and coaches) cast their ballots, Jimmy Rollins apparently couldn't win a Gold Glove until he had an MVP season with the bat.

Rollins won his third straight Gold Glove Wednesday afternoon. He is the first to win three straight in the NL since Rey Ordonez (97-99).

Shane Victorino is also a repeat winner. The Flyin' Hawaiian is the just the second Phils outfielder to be honored the Gold Glove more than once: Gary Maddox won eight straight (75-82).

Former Phillies speedster Michael Bourn was on his first Gold Glove. Bourn was traded to the Astros two years ago in the deal that netted the Phils Brad Lidge.

Phils decline option on Feliz (but it doesn't mean he won't be back)

2009-11-08T18:39:00.002-05:00

Hot off the press from the Phils:

The Phillies have declined the 2010 option on third baseman Pedro Feliz’ contract, Senior Vice President & General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. announced tonight.

Feliz, 34, batted .266 with 12 home runs and 82 RBI in 158 games for the Phillies this past season. With runners in scoring position, he hit a team-best .336, which ranked 13th among all National League players.

“This doesn’t preclude us from bringing Pedro back next season,” Amaro said. “While this allows us to explore other opportunities, we will continue to keep the lines of communication open with Pedro and his representative.”

Three Phils to go under the knife: Lidge, Ibanez and Eyre

2009-11-07T17:54:00.002-05:00

Phils general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced tonight that three Phils have surgeries scheduled for this week: Brad Lidge (elbow), Raul Ibanez (sports hernia) and Scott Eyre (elbow).

Eyre and Lidge have similar ailments - loose bodies in their pitching elbows.

Ibanez first suffered a groin injury in June and battled his health in the second half of the season.

Waiting on a call back from Amaro to see how long each of the players' respective recovering/rehab times is estimated to last.

Brett Myers won't be back in '10

2009-11-06T16:49:00.003-05:00

The Brett Myers' era has ended in Philadelphia.

Shortly after debriefing the press on several offseason issues, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. met with Myers and told him the team would be "moving in a different direction."

Myers was 73-63 with a 4.40 ERA in eight seasons in Philadelphia. The 29-year-old, whom the team selected with the 12th pick in the first round of the '99 draft, was shuttled in and out of the bullpen in his last three seasons.

Myers went 4-3 with a 4.84 ERA in 18 games (10 starts) this season. Myers missed three months while recovering from early-June hip surgery; upon returning in September, Myers missed another three weeks with a shoulder strain.

Myers was in the final year of a three-year, $25.75 contract extension signed in February of '07.

More from Amaro on Myers in Saturday's Daily Times...

Phils pick up option on Cliff Lee (and other offseason issues)

2009-11-06T15:55:00.003-05:00

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.

World Series: Phils' one-year reign ends in the Bronx

2009-11-05T01:15:00.002-05:00

What's there to say? The better team won the World Series.

The Phils met their match in the big, bad New York Yankees.

New York's baseball goliath battered and bloodied Pedro Martinez early and often en route to a 7-3 victory to clinch the storied franchise's 27th World Championship. Hideki Matsui led the offensive onslaught with six RBIs, including a two-run home run in the second that got NY off and running.

The game ended about 90 minutes ago and they juuuuussst stopped playing "New York, New York" on the one-year-old stadium's P.A. system. Hey, I like Frank as much as anyone, but talk about overkill....

The Phils lost the best-of-seven series in six games, which is nothing to be ashamed of, for sure.... especially against a 103-win team, the best team money can buy.

But let's face it: the Phillies' sore spots reared their ugly bats and arms in the series.

In Game 6, their on-again, off-again problem of hitting with runners in scoring position crept back into play. While the Yanks jumped out to a 7-1 lead off Pedro, the Phils left runners in scoring position in three of the first six innings and grounded into inning-ending double plays in two other innings.

In other spots during the series, the two pitchers who followed career years with off years, Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge, showed off their '09 form. But don't forget Phillies fans: without either of those two guys, you don't beat the Rays in the '08 Series.

Anyway, it's clearing out time. I'll end per usual in the postseason, with some sounds from the clubhouse.

Until next time...

CHASE UTLEY, the Phils' best player in the Series with a record-tying five home runs" "Obviously we didn’t accomplish our ultimate goal, but I’m proud to be teammates with everybody in this clubhouse right now.... I want to reiterate, we didn’t accomplish our goal that we set out for this season, but we got to a spot where a lot of teams don’t ever get the chance to be. For that we should all hold our heads high."

SHANE VICTORINO, whose ground out to second accounted for the game and season's final out: "We would have loved to win again for the city and for us, but unfortunately we didn’t."

RYAN HOWARD, on an offense gone cold other than the home run ball: "We didn’t capitalize on certain situations, getting runs home. They went out there and got hits in certain situations... It’s pretty simple. We just got outplayed."

BRAD LIDGE, on watching the Yanks celebrate: "It’s makes us remember last year when we were able to do it ourselves… it makes us realize how close we were this year. We came really close. I think everyone of us feels like we have the capability of doing it again next year and hopefully for a while afterward. We’re very proud of what we accomplished. We ended up a little short of the goal."

CHARLIE MANUEL, on what went wrong in the Series: "We went through the playoffs, we played real good, and all of a sudden when we got to the Series, and I give credit to some of the Yankees' pitching, but it seemed like our offense... kind of sputtered a little bit.
"But at the same time, their left-handed pitchers, I felt like did a good job on our left-handed hitting and stopped them, and that is a big part of our offense. But at the same time, I felt like they have a real good team, but they definitely deserved to win. They did things right when they had to. We just didn't play as good as we can, but at the same time, we also played a real good team who did a good job, and they've had a great season.
"Like I was telling our guys in there, that just makes us more determined to come back again next year. We've got a good team, and we love to play baseball. I'll tell you, the time I've had there especially about the last three years, it's been really enjoyable to coach and manage our team because of who we've got on our club. I'll tell you something, we will be back. As Mac Arthur said, I guess, we will be back."