Nov. 18 -- HELMS SIGNS ... WHAT'S NEXT?

Presumably, Pat Gillick is already trying to answer that question.

Gillick (left) didn't attend Friday night's press conference for Wes Helms, so either he was getting an early start on his Thanskgiving holiday or talking to agents.

Knowing Gillick, bet the latter.

With Helms agreeing to a two-year, $5.45 million contract with a team option for 2009, the third-base position is filled. Helms and Abraham Nunez will split time there, with Helms adding some offense and Nunez bringing a silky-smooth glove.

But the following needs remain on the Phillies' shopping list ...

a) A right-handed power bat to protect Ryan Howard in the middle of the lineup.

b) Another starting pitcher.

c) At least two more relievers.

And, indications are the Phillies will address the catching position, where manager Charlie Manuel favors using incumbents Chris Coste and Carlos Ruiz. Manuel is in the minority, though. Many others in the organization believe the Phillies need to upgrade.

One final note on Alfonso Soriano: Don't expect him to make a decision quickly. By now, he likely has received offers from the Phillies, Angels and Astros. The Cubs and Dodgers are also interested, and they'll weigh in with their offers next week. Once that happens, Soriano will begin eliminating teams from the competition.

I can't tell you the Phillies are the favorite, but know this: If Soriano really wants to stay on the East Coast, and if he doesn't mind staying in the National League and playing the outfield, the Phillies have as good a shot as any of those other teams.

At the same time, Gillick won't break the bank for any one player, not even Soriano, whom he's been enamored of for several years. So if the price gets too high, the Phillies will gracefully bow out.