Phillies Notes: Phillies undecided on extension for Lee

NEW YORK - The Phillies have not yet decided whether to offer a contract extension to pitcher Cliff Lee this off-season, but they have discussed the possibility internally.

"Clearly, it's on our minds, but we haven't made a decision if we will yet," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said yesterday. "Naturally, you have to think about it, but we're more focused on him pitching in this series."

The club holds a $9 million option on Lee for 2010, after which the 31-year-old lefthander will become a free agent - unless he and the Phillies agree on an extension between now and then.

Since the Phils acquired Lee and outfielder Ben Francisco from Cleveland in July for a package of minor-league players, the pitcher has become the team's ace. During the regular season, he was 7-4, with a 3.39 earned run average with the Phils. In the postseason, he is 4-0, with a 1.56 ERA.

Variables for the team to consider: Lee's age, the Phils' already high payroll, and the possibility that Lee could seek a contract comparable to the seven-year, $161 million deal the New York Yankees lavished on CC Sabathia last winter.

Victorino plays

Shane Victorino suffered a bruised finger on his right hand when he was hit by a pitch in Game 5, but he was in the lineup for Game 6 of the World Series last night.

Victorino went 1 for 4 with a walk.

Contact staff writer Andy Martino at 215-854-4874 or amartino@phillynews.com.