Phillies say Gillick not returning to Toronto

The Phillies strongly deny a pair of stories in the Toronto Star indicating that Pat Gillick, who became their general manager before the 2006 season and helped the franchise win only its second world championship 3 years later, could be heading back to the organization where he first made his reputation as a top executive.

"All BS," a high-ranking club official said in a text message.

The first story, which appeared Wednesday, was written after Jays president Paul Beeston met with the paper's editorial board.

"Citing tampering rules, Beeston wouldn't elaborate on the record, but he did say Gillick, currently a senior advisor to Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr., would be welcome in Toronto if he wanted to return," it said.

It went on to indicate that Beeston envisioned Gillick returning to mentor new general manager Alex Athopoulos.

The second article, which ran yesterday, was slightly stronger. "The word is out that Gillick might well latch on to a senior consulting role in Toronto . . . The Jays would love to have him," it declared.

The Phillies official said the Jays have not asked for permission to speak to Gillick.

- Paul Hagen