Phillies - In the holiday spirit

Christmas is a time of giving. Yesterday the Phillies donated $25,000 and more than 7,000 pounds of food to the Philabundance food bank to feed the hungry in the Latino community. The day before, the entire staff threw on aprons and served up a holiday meal to those living at the Bethesda Project's "Our Brother's Place" homeless facility.

Christmas is also a time that involves a significant amount of wrapping. Whether its gifts under the Christmas tree or players on the roster, the Phillies are trying get all their wrapping done before the holiday.

"We're still working on the outfield, third base and a couple of different things," said Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. "At this stage of the game we don't think we have a whole lot imminent, but we hope that we can wrap some things up within the next week or so."

Those things could include the possibility of bringing back free-agent pitcher Kyle Lohse, who went 3-0 for the Phillies with a 4.72 ERA in 13 games after being traded from the Cincinnati Reds just before the trade deadline last season. Lohse reportedly has been offered 4-year deals from both the Phillies and Mets.

The Phillies did not confirm the offer had been made but did say it has been in discussions with Lohse and agent Scott Boras.

The Phillies, who watched righthander Kris Benson throw Monday in Phoenix, still are looking to improve their pitching before the start of spring training. With Adam Eaton's health in question, Lohse, who is said to be seeking close to $10 million annually, likely would fit in as the Phillies' fifth starter.

The Phillies remain interested in free-agent outfielders Geoff Jenkins and Mike Cameron.

The Padres also have interest in the lefthanded-hitting Jenkins, but the San Diego Union-Tribune reported they likely would not match a Phillies offer. The 33-year-old Jenkins hit .255 last season with 21 homers and 64 RBI for Milwaukee, where he spent his first 10 big-league seasons.

Cameron, a righthanded hitter who turns 35 next month, hit 21 homers and drove in 78 runs last season for the Padres. At the start of next season he must serve a 25-game suspension after testing positive for a banned stimulant.

Cameron and the Phillies have had several conversations in the past few days. The Phillies' outfield currently consists of Pat Burrell in left, Shane Victorino in center and Jayson Werth in right.

Righthander Carlos Carrasco, outfielder Greg Golson, third baseman Brennan King and lefthanders Josh Outman and Joe Savery were among 19 players selected to join the Phillies for spring training as non-roster invitees. Other invitees: pitchers Ron Chiavacci, Vic Darensbourg, Gary Knotts and Brian Mazone; catchers Tuffy Gosewisch, Tim Gradoville, Paul Hoover and Lou Marson; infielders Mike Cervenek, Jason Donald, Casey Smith and Andy Tracy; infielder/outfielder Valentino Pascucci; and outfielder Brandon Watson.

Righthander Carlos Carrasco, outfielder Greg Golson, third baseman Brennan King and lefthanders Josh Outman and Joe Savery were among 19 players selected to join the Phillies for spring training as non-roster invitees. Other invitees: pitchers Ron Chiavacci, Vic Darensbourg, Gary Knotts and Brian Mazone; catchers Tuffy Gosewisch, Tim Gradoville, Paul Hoover and Lou Marson; infielders Mike Cervenek, Jason Donald, Casey Smith and Andy Tracy; infielder/outfielder Valentino Pascucci; and outfielder Brandon Watson.

The Phillies announced that tickets for the 2008 season opener against Washington on March 31 and the Boston Red Sox series (June 16-18) will be available through a drawing beginning today.

The Phillies announced that tickets for the 2008 season opener against Washington on March 31 and the Boston Red Sox series (June 16-18) will be available through a drawing beginning today.

John Weber, vice president of sales and ticket operations, said because of the high demand, the team will use a similar system to the one it used in September, when the Phillies reached the postseason for the first time in 14 years.

Tickets are available in full or partial season-ticket plans and in the MVP 6-pack.

Fans can register online in two separate drawings. Names will be randomly selected, with winners having the opportunity to purchase up to four tickets to their selected games. The final day to register for Opening Day tickets is Feb. 25. March 3 is the final day to register for the Boston series.

In addition, spring-training ticket packages go on sale beginning at noon today.

Harry Kalas is now available On Demand. "Harry Kalas, The Voice of the Phillies,'' is a commemorative CD dedicated to the legendary announcer. The CD, which was produced, written and narrated by Chicago Cubs radio play-by-play announcer Pat Hughes, will be available for purchase tomorrow at the Phillies' store at Citizens Bank Park. *

Harry Kalas is now available On Demand. "Harry Kalas, The Voice of the Phillies,'' is a commemorative CD dedicated to the legendary announcer. The CD, which was produced, written and narrated by Chicago Cubs radio play-by-play announcer Pat Hughes, will be available for purchase tomorrow at the Phillies' store at Citizens Bank Park. *