Their biggest needs, in order, appear to be a back-of-the- bullpen arm with the stuff to pitch the eighth and ninth innings, a multiple-innings arm, and a dependable situational lefty.

With baseball's holiday shopping season - the free agent signing period - beginning at 12:01 a.m., figured we'd share our wish list for the Phillies off-season in open letter form, for Ruben Amaro to see.

Paul Hagen wrote a story in yesterday's Philadelphia Daily News informing fans to expect a few fireworks in free agency.

It has been two weeks since Shane Victorino grounded out to end World Series , and thus far, the hot stove only has simmered.

The Phillies are looking to bring back Chan Ho Park as a relief pitcher in 2010.

Free agency begins in earnest on Friday, when teams are allowed to negotiate with and sign players from other clubs.

J.A. Happ, the lefthander who began this year as a reliever and became one of the Phillies' most consistent starters, finished second in the voting for National League Rookie of the Year.

Each game is captured in analytical detail by Philadelphia Magazinea s 2008 a oeBest Sportswritera Jason Weitzel, along with photos, behind-the-scenes access and exclusive interviews by Michael McNesby, making this 370-page compendium a must-own for all fans.

The rumored trade of Cole Hamels to somewhere for something has gotten back to Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.

Two years ago, the Phillies acquired Brad Lidge from the Houston Astros during the general managers' meetings.

Phillies third baseman Pedro Feliz filed for free agency Monday, as did teammates Matt Stairs, Chan Ho Park and Paul Bako.

Each game is captured in analytical detail by Philadelphia Magazinea s 2008 a oeBest Sportswritera Jason Weitzel, along with photos, behind-the-scenes access and exclusive interviews by Michael McNesby, making this 370-page compendium a must-own for all fans.

When the clock struck midnight on Thursday, reality encroached on victory. The Yankees had just defeated the Phillies at the new Yankee Stadium to win the 27th World Series championship in franchise history when the free-agency filing period began.

The front office believes that Hamels will return to form and is risking a great deal on that belief.

A few fast facts from CBP. Yankees manager Joe Girardi has announced that A.J. Burnett will start tomorrow's Game 5 on three-days' rest.

The pitcher's line may be deceiving, but Cliff Lee threw yet another gem Monday night , leading the Phillies to an 8-6 win over the Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series to send it back to the Bronx.

This is where the decisions earlier in the World Series can either haunt a team or make all the difference.

Bad news, Mets fans: The Phillies aren't going away in 2010. All of Philadelphia's core players remain under the team's control this offseason.

WHAT DOES IT take to fuel Phillies relief pitcher Chan Ho Park's 95-mph fastballs? A lot of octopus, according to his wife, Ri-Hye Park.

Alex Rodriguez hits a two-run double in the eighth inning to cut the Phillies lead to 8-4. Times reporters David Waldstein, Ben Shpigel, Tyler Kepner, Jack Curry and Richard Sandomir will provide updates and analysis during Game 5 of the Yankees-Phillies World Series in Philadelphia.