July 31 -- DEADLINE DAY

WASHINGTON -- About 10 days ago, Shane Victorino asked me and a few other writers if we'd heard any juicy trade rumors. Some, we told him, involved him. Since then, he has admitted to Googling his name to monitor trade innuendo, and before batting practice yesterday, he walked through the Phillies' clubhouse and said, "Twenty-three more hours to go."

Clearly, Victorino is preoccupied by the trade deadline.

At least it hasn't hindered his performance. If anything, Victorino will be riding a hot streak as the clock strikes 4 p.m. today and wheeler-dealer general managers finally hang up their cell phones. In last night's 8-5 win over the hapless Nationals, he went 3-for-4 with a tie-breaking two-run double in the five-run fifth inning, a homer in the seventh, three runs scored and three RBIs. He has a 10-game hitting streak, six homers in his last 13 games, and a .397 average and 14 RBIs in his last 15.

Asked where always-chatty Victorino's surge has come from, Charlie Manuel said, "From his lips. He's got a lot of wind to him, doesn't he? When he has a good night and shows you all his ability, he's a tremendous player. Go tell him not to get so nervous [about the trade rumors]."

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A few notes about Jamie Moyer, who picked up his team-leading 10th win last night:

-In his last 10 starts, Moyer is 4-3 with a 2.84 ERA. He has allowed three runs or fewer in 10 consecutive starts, becoming the first Phillies pitcher to do so since Randy Wolf from July 11-Sept. 5, 2002.

-Moyer has 240 career wins, tied with Frank Tanana for 52nd all-time. Moyer has racked up more than twice as many wins in his 40s (76) as he had in his 20s (34).

-Other 45-year-olds to win 10 games in a season: Satchel Paige, Jack Quinn and Phil Niekro. "I didn't play against any of them," Moyer said before joking that he once had a beer with Paige. "He didn't like microbrews."



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J.C. Romero said the Phillies could benefit from having another lefty reliever in the bullpen. Pitching coach Rich Dubee agrees. And Pat Gillick reiterated that finding another lefty is his top priority. But unless the asking price from certain teams decreases, the Phils may not make a move before 4 p.m.

The clock is ticking. Stay tuned.