Literally.

Perhaps responding to Cole Hamels' public pleas last season, the club is making arrangements for its players to have access to chiropractors both at home and on the road.

Though plans have not been finalized, Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro confirmed that the team is looking to hire a chiropractor to work with players at home. In addition, it is attempting to set up a network of chiropractors for players to use on the road.

Hamels drew attention to the situation last season when he told reporters that he thought his elbow problems could have been prevented with regular visits to chiropractors. Hamels, who said earlier this week that he gets "chiropractic massage" therapy two to three times a week, claimed it was difficult to find chiropractors on road trips.

"There's a lot of guys that are very interested," Hamels said at the time. "It's just up to the team to make the effort."

Earlier this week, Hamels said he was satisfied with the progress the organization was making.

"I know they are more open to the situation, so I think that's the best," said Hamels, who went 15-5 with a 3.39 ERA last season despite missing a month with an elbow strain. "I think they've been doing everything they possibly can with getting the massage therapists in . . . it's kind of the new way of training and keeping in shape, so we'll see what happens."

Mourning Bus

 

Yesterday, Moyer reflected on the death of his former coach and friend, who passed away Wednesday at age 87 after complications following surgery.

"It's very unfortunate, but he had a good life, and I think he helped a lot of kids in baseball," said Moyer, who went 14-12 with a 5.01 ERA last season and will own a spot in the rotation again this year. "That's how I got to meet him . . . We talked about pitching and worked out mechanics and things like that. I was at a point in time where I was really struggling and really kind of feeling for what I was trying to do."

Moyer, 45, remained close with Campbell, speaking to him frequently by phone and sending him an annual Christmas card. He spoke with Campbell's daughter shortly before he passed away.

"It was a privilege to have known him," Moyer said.

New Phillies closer Brad Lidge worked periodically with Campbell, who also scouted for the Cardinals, Reds, Royals and Blue Jays.

"He's one of those guys where whatever he says, you listen," Lidge said. "He's a master of that craft."

Looking for a leader

 

"I think the more that you watch us, being around some of our guys like [Chase] Utley, and [Jimmy] Rollins and [Ryan] Howard and some of those guys like that, and Jamie Moyer and [Tom] Gordon, we've got different personalities," Manuel said. "I think [other players] tend to stay in line with how those guys play. Why wouldn't you want Jamie Moyer's work ethic, and Utley's? Who they are kind of rubs off on [everybody]."

More Manuel

 

"The message I wanted to send was basically about competing and staying relaxed and staying focused on what you are doing," Manuel said.

That said, he did take some time to marvel at a lineup that will feature four 20-plus home-run hitters in the infield alone.

"I think we're going to score runs, I think we're going to catch the ball," Manuel said. "I think it depends on our pitching and how we get out of the gate." *