July 31 -- MARLINS FISHING FOR MANNY?

WASHINGTON -- So, late-night reports out of Boston, Miami and Pittsburgh are indicating that a three-team trade may be in the works to, among other things, send Manny Ramirez to the Marlins. The Palm Beach Post, in fact, is reporting that a tentative deal has been struck. Sources are telling the Boston Globe that no deal has been reached, although it may be close.

Either way, Pat Gillick insists it won't push the Phillies into a counter-move.

"You don't like to react to someone else," Gillick said before the Phils beat the Nats, 8-5. "I've always said you like to do what you think is proper for your club. If [the Mets or Marlins] improve their club, they improve their club. We'll hopefully try to improve our club, but we're not reacting."

Charlie Manuel believes Manny could be a difference-maker in the NL East race. He said the Phillies don't necessarily need more offense, unless it's someone special. "Manny Ramirez would be the hitter," he said. Manuel was Ramirez's hitting coach with the Indians, and they had a good relationship. "My time with Manny was very special," Manuel said. "He was a kid then. He's grown up a lot. Well, he's gotten older. I feel like I know him to a certain degree."