Tuesday's Word from Vegas: Part II

The trade that could send Mark DeRosa to the Phillies is still alive.

There is talk that the deal has expanded to four teams: the Cubs, Padres, Phillies and Orioles. Last night word had spread that lefthander J.A. Happ could be the key piece for the Phillies, who would send him (and possibly a catcher) to the Cubs. The Cubs would then send them to the Padres for Jake Peavy. But the latest in Las Vegas is that righthander Kyle Kendrick could be traded instead of Happ.

The final call on this trade appears to be Chicago.

Stay tuned.

*

Free agent lefthander Andy Pettitte has been linked to the Phillies. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said yesterday he was keeping his options open, so any link to Pettitte could be a contingency plan if Jamie Moyer can't be resigned.

*

Righthander Kris Benson is at the meetings. The Phillies, who signed him to a minor-league contract in February, aren't interested.