Phillies Phix: Winter Meetings Update

Often news from the Winter Meetings is too complicated and frequent to sift through, so if you haven't been able to keep up, here are a few quick updates on the Phillies' dealings in Vegas:   Charlie Manuel received a much-deserved contract extension that runs through 2011. The deal includes the Phillies picking up Manuel’s 2010 option and then signing him for 2011. Ruben Amaro Jr. has made it clear that the Phillies are only looking for one free agent starter, who will slide into a rotation that will also consist of Joe Blanton, Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, and another pitcher from within the organization. C.C. Sabathia , who didn't have much of a chance of becoming a Phillie anyway, has reportedly signed with the Yankees. This will reduce the market for Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett quite a bit. The Phillies are pursuing A.J. Burnett but it looks like the Braves are setting the bar with a four-year (with a vesting option for the fifth year) offer, and ... (link)