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JERRY LODRIGUSS / Staff
Mike Cameron (left): Willhe interest the Phillies ifhe becomes a free agent?
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EXTRA BASES
Brian Cashman's contract extension with the Yankees takes a highly regarded general manager off the free-agent market. Cashman could have been on Phillies president Dave Montgomery's list to replace the outgoing Pat Gillick, but it's doubtful Montgomery would have chosen him. All along, it has looked as if Montgomery will stay in-house and hire Ruben Amaro or Mike Arbuckle to succeed Gillick. The exception would have been if the Phils had had a disastrous year and needed to change course for PR reasons. The Phils' division title virtually assures that Montgomery will stay in-house. . . .
With Cashman off the market, a GM to watch could be the Cubs' Jim Hendry. His contract is set to expire and the Cubs are for sale. Hendry could be a fit in Seattle. . . . Jim Thome's game-winning home run in the AL Central playoff game Tuesday night could be a boon to his Hall of Fame candidacy. Hitting the decisive homer in the 1-0 win that put the White Sox into the postseason fits the description of an "iconic moment" that will stick out in voters' minds. . . .
Evidence that Pat Burrell's days with the Phillies could be over after this season keeps mounting. Davey Lopes, first-base coach/outfield instructor, recently hinted in a live, in-game TV interview that Jayson Werth could play left field next season with Shane Victorino moving to right. That would put the Phils in the market for a centerfielder. In another hint, manager Charlie Manuel on Wednesday said he and Lopes believe Greg Dobbs' best position might eventually be left field. Clearly, the Phils are doing some thinking about their outfield, which seems headed for a transition with Burrell's pending free agency.
Ideally, the Phils would like to add a righthanded bat in the outfield. Milton Bradley is a free agent, but some teams have concerns about his ability to stay healthy. Mike Cameron could be a free agent if Milwaukee does not pick up his $10 million option. On the long-shot front, there's increasing talk of Detroit trading Magglio Ordonez. As good as he would look in the middle of the Phils' order, Ordonez could be a reach because he is guaranteed $18 million next season, and he has a very reachable clause in his contract that would guarantee an option for 2010, also at $18 million. With seven potential free agents, 10 arbitration-eligible players, and a payroll that could be between $110 million and $120 million, the Phillies might have reservations about Ordonez. On top of it all, he would cost significant talent, possibly someone like catcher Lou Marson. . . .
Phillies shortstop prospect Jason Donald is playing second and third base in the Florida Instructional League. Team officials still believe Donald can play shortstop in the big leagues, but they also think he has the makings of a super utility player. Donald played at double A this season and was a U.S. Olympian.
