New contract on horizon for Phillies’ Madson? A fan’s take (Associated Content)

Philadelphia Phillies reliever Brad Lidge has been on the disabled list all season, with no return date yet in sight. Charlie Manuel had tried using set-up man Ryan Madson in the closer role in past seasons, in similar circumstances, but no consistent results were generated.

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Fan’s view: Phillies manager Charlie Manuel and Phillies legend Dallas Green (Associated Content)

Charlie Manuel received a two-year extension to his contract that takes him through the 2013 season on Thursday, March 10. By then he will be leading the Philadelphia Phillies into his ninth season as manager. Both he and Dallas Green have already earned their own uniquely deserved accolades. Now, let's look at each manager's numbers. Late in the 1979 season, my sixth grade friends and I watched Dallas Green take over our team and go 19-11. Next came his only full season in the dugout, 1980.

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Rollins ready to roll atop Phils lineup for Game 6 (AP)

Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins was batting leadoff for Game 6 of the NL championship series Saturday night after losing his regular spot in the postseason. Manager Charlie Manuel moved Shane Victorino, who had been hitting first, to the sixth spot. When Rollins, the 2007 NL MVP, is on his game, the Phillies are hard to stop.

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Phillies are kings of the hill: 3 aces, 1 ball (AP)

Having three aces is no problem until the Philadelphia Phillies have to pick one to start the first game of the playoffs. Barring a monumental collapse, the Phillies will win their fourth straight NL East title and secure home-field advantage throughout the postseason early enough for manager Charlie Manuel and pitching coach Rich Dubee to set their rotation for the first round.

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Phils, Rays lead wild cards with 40 games to go (AP)

Charlie Manuel scoffed at the notion of second place. So did Phillies stars Jimmy Rollins and Roy Oswalt. Even if it meant a playoff spot. "We don't care about the wild card," Manuel said this week. OK, Charlie. Let the Philadelphia manager focus on overtaking Atlanta in the NL East. And surely the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays are thinking about winning the AL East, rather than...

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Ubaldo Jimenez, David Price to start All-Star game (AP)

Ubaldo Jimenez is always eager to share his accomplishments with a support system that runs from Denver to the Dominican Republic. His home nation and adopted hometown will be tuned in when Jimenez takes the mound for one of his most memorable outings yet. The Colorado ace will start for the National League in the All-Star game, while the AL will counter with Tampa Bay's David Price.

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Mauer top vote-getter for All-Star game (AP)

With a bevy of aces to choose from for his National League All-Star staff, manager Charlie Manuel thought there was no reason to rush rookie sensation Stephen Strasburg into the Midsummer Classic. "I say let him pitch and let him get his feet on the ground in the major leagues and kind of let him earn his way," Manuel said Sunday after Major League Baseball announced the rosters for the...

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