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2005 finish: 88-74, 2^nd place in NL East

Manager: Charlie Manuel (2^nd season)

Free agents: LHP Billy Wagner, RHP Ugueth Urbina, OF Kenny Lofton, OF Michael Tucker, C Todd Pratt, IF Ramon Martinez, RHP Terry Adams

On the block: 1B Jim Thome, RF Bobby Abreu, RHP Vicente Padilla, RHP Cory Lidle, 3B David Bell, LHP Rheal Cormier

Looking for: Center fielder, third baseman, catcher

What’s going on: The first order of business was to find a new general manager, and the Phils wisely bucked the whiz-kid trend by picking 68-year-old proven winner Pat Gillick. The albatross known as Jim Thome’s contract looms large. Can they find a taker despite owing the 35-year-old first baseman $43.5 million including a buyout in 2009? Seattle, Baltimore, Boston and Los Angeles could be possibilities. If not Thome, perhaps they can deal Bobby Abreu and shift Ryan Howard to right field. They are trying to re-sign Billy Wagner despite already having $78 million tied up in 12 players for 2006. He is looking for a three-year deal for at least $30 million, and will get it. Ugueth Urbina, arrested in his native Venezuela, won’t return even if Wagner leaves. Tom Gordon could be a fit as a closer if Wagner signs elsewhere. It is possible that none of the other free-agents will be back. They are willing to trade starting pitching, so that likely will put them in good bargaining position. Somebody will want to take a chance on Padilla, who has great stuff but remains an enigma. Lidle is a serviceable No. 4-5 starter. With Mike Lieberthal in decline, they could try to do something behind the plate.

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Tony Gutierrez / AP

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