July 23: IN-GAME -- Gillick speaks

Just wanted to give everyone an update after GM Pat Gillick addressed the media. The highlights are as follows:

-- Charlie Manuel's job is safe, at least through the end of this season. Beyond that, Gillick made no promises. Manuel's three-year, $2.4 million contract runs through the end of the 2007 season.

“For everyone, from myself through Charlie through the coaching staff, there’s a continual evaluation,” Gillick said. “But I know, right now, that Charlie’s going to be with us through the conclusion of the ’06 season.”

-- The Phillies, at the moment, are both buyers and sellers at the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline. But Gillick said July 31 is a "fairly important" date, considering the free-agent market is expected to be razor thin.

“We’re both at the moment,” Gillick said. “Ideally, what you want to do is pick up a piece that will help you short- and long-term.”

-- If the Phillies require a roster makeover, as former manager Larry Bowa and others have suggested, Gillick said an off-season in which 11 players will be free agents might do the trick. In particular, longtime Phillies catcher Mike Lieberthal and third baseman David Bell aren't expected to have their contracts extended.

"I think free agency in some ways will take care of that," he said of breaking up the Phillies' core.

Check tomorrow's paper for more.