New wheels for Charlie?

Ryan Howard probably spoke for all of his Phillies teammates Thursday when he expressed his happiness about the announcement that manager Charlie Manuel's contract has been extended through the 2013 season.

Howard, however, was the only one to offer a suggestion as to what Manuel should do with his enhanced paycheck.

"What should he buy?" Howard said. "Maybe a new car. I think for him, he should get an old-school, throwback [Cadillac] or something. He should get a '64 [Lincoln] Continental with suicide doors, so he can make an entrance when he comes to the ballpark and he can pull it out on the field opening day."

- Bob Brookover