Still no contract extension for Phillies manager Charlie Manuel

CLEARWATER, Fla. - No, Charlie Manuel would not be the first manager to enter a season without a contract extension. But because Manuel has guided four straight National League East division winners and is fourth on the franchise's all-time wins list, it would be odd if Manuel and the Phillies did not reach an agreement.

The sides have negotiated since December but to no avail.

"Hopefully, something happens in spring training," Manuel said Monday. "My contract, I definitely don't want it to be a distraction for our team because I definitely put my team first. The players, that's why I get a contract. That's the whole purpose of me doing what I do."

Then the manager was asked - in jest - if he would impose a deadline for a new deal, a la Albert Pujols, the St. Louis superstar free-agent-to-be.

"Once the season starts, I don't want to talk about my contract," Manuel said.

It was a terse statement from Manuel, whereas neither side has yet to show ill will as negotiations remain private. Manuel may not have been setting a firm deadline, but he made it clear he does not want the issue to linger.

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said he echoes those sentiments. There is no reason to believe a deal cannot be struck before the season begins, but as the days pass, the topic obviously becomes interesting.

"It's a fluid situation," Amaro said. "We want to get something done, which we have since December. I don't view it as a distraction for our players because we don't make our negotiations public."

It is clear at this juncture that money is a sticking point. Manuel will make $2.4 million in 2011, according to the Associated Press. No doubt Manuel, 67, is seeking to become among the game's highest-paid managers based upon his postseason performances in the last four seasons. Tony La Russa and Mike Scioscia are believed to earn more than $4 million annually.

Manuel appears committed to the idea because Monday he said he would be content going through the season without a new contract if it came to that.

"I went through a situation a few years ago the same way," Manuel said of managing the 2007 season without an extension. "Every now and then you may think about something. But you stay focused on where you are going. You stay busy. If you do your job right, things will work out."

So what if opening day nears and Manuel still doesn't have a new contract?

"I'll call Pujols," Manuel said, "and ask him."