But Manuel also knows his lineup can use a hitter, perhaps now more than at any point in his six-plus seasons as Phillies manager. And while Ruben Amaro Jr. has gone to great lengths to downplay his desire for such a player, the general manager clearly doth protest too much. Even trusted adviser Pat Gillick labeled the acquisition of such a hitter "very important" during a conference call last week for his induction into the Hall of Fame.
While Amaro is not in Chicago with the team, and thus unavailable to comment publicly, there are clear indications that the Phillies have explored and will continue to explore deals for both relievers and hitters.
And while Manuel said he does not have a good feel for the potential of such deals, he has not been shy about expressing his opinion.
"I think we can definitely use a reliever, I think without a doubt, but I also think we could use a good bat," he said. "And when I say a reliever or a bat, I'm talking about a good one. If we can find a good bat and we don't get a good reliever, well, then we'll take the good bat, if that makes sense. I want somebody good. If we are going to get somebody, I'll tell you guys like I would tell them, I want somebody good. Somebody that is going to help us. I don't want to get what we've already got."
There's a good chance the Phillies do not have a good feel for how things will shake out. The last 2 years, they had a narrow list of players who they targeted early and aggressively: Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay in 2009, and Roy Oswalt last season. In 2008, they completed a deal for Joe Blanton during the All-Star break.
