10 questions facing the Phillies

1. Is it a good idea to pursue a contract extension with Cliff Lee?

The lefthander became the Phils' ace after he arrived from Cleveland in late July and enjoyed a dominant postseason. Those very factors make this a risky time to award Lee with a long-term contract. Rather than paying a pitcher for what he did this summer and fall, the Phils will have to consider what the 31-year-old Lee will be worth as he climbs into his mid-30s. The pitcher will likely seek a deal comparable to the seven-year, $161 million contract the New York Yankees offered his friend CC Sabathia last year.

The Phils will almost certainly exercise the $9 million option on Lee for 2010. The pitcher would become a free agent after the season if he and the club do not reach an agreement before then. As good as Lee has been, the Phils might be better off enjoying an affordable year, then deciding what the pitcher is worth to them after that.

2. Can Pedro Martinez pitch effectively for an entire season?

The old goat entertained Philadelphia fans this summer and surprised some skeptics with his professionalism, mentoring of younger players and deep intelligence. But he did not prove that he could remain healthy for even half a season.

One start after throwing 130 pitches on Sept. 13, Martinez injured his neck or rib swinging at a curveball. He then missed most of the next month. During the postseason, he reasserted his ability to outthink hitters, but the 38-year-old did not address questions about his durability. The Phils would likely be wary of any deal with the veteran that was not heavily laden with incentives based on performance and appearances.

3. Who will be the fifth starter?

Barring injuries, the first four spots in the Phils' rotation are set for 2010: Lee, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton and J.A. Happ. Prospect Kyle Drabek will begin the season in triple A, leaving the Phils in need of one more starter.

Jamie Moyer, who will be 47, is under contract for one more season and joins Kyle Kendrick as an internal candidate. The Phils could retain Martinez for that role if another team does not offer a job more appealing to him. And, as many teams do, the Phils could scour for minor trades and free-agent signings, seeking someone to pitch adequately every five days.

4. What to do about Brett Myers?

Myers and the Phillies could use each other next season. The 29-year-old pitcher is a free agent, but his value dropped because he missed most of this season with a hip surgery and a muscle tear in his upper back. The Phils enter the season with questions about their bullpen and closer, Brad Lidge. A one-year contract for Myers, allowing the pitcher to prove he can be healthy and effective before becoming a free agent at 30, and giving the Phils a Plan B to close games, would make sense for both parties.

5. Can Scott Eyre remain healthy and effective for one more season?

At 37 years old, the lefthanded Eyre was remarkably effective against lefty hitters in key situations. He suffered two injuries this season, the last of which will require minor off-season elbow surgery.

Eyre is torn between wanting to retire and spend more time with his family and wanting to play one more year with a group of relievers whose company he enjoys. Despite the injuries, the Phils might encounter difficulty replacing Eyre, which led Amaro to say recently that he was open to offering the pitcher a one-year contract.

6. Should the Phils retain Chan Ho Park? Can they?

After failing as a starter, the 36-year-old righthander became an essential reliever this year. The Phils and Park may find it challenging this winter to agree on Park's role and value, especially if another team offers the veteran a chance to start, which he prefers.

Park pulled a hamstring in September, leading at least some members of the front office to wonder about his durability at an advanced age. But it would be difficult to part with such a consistent reliever.

7. Is Matt Stairs worth one more season?