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Phillies manager Charlie Manuel might have been conflating the top line from "Terminator" with a famous quote from World War II superstar general Douglas MacArthur, but his point was clear:

This isn't the last we'll see of his Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series.

"I'm gonna tell you something. We will be back," Manuel said. "As MacArthur said, I guess, we will be back."

MacArthur might have been talking about retaking the Philippines from Japan, but Gen. Manuel probably means it just as much as ol' corn cob pipe (right) did. These have been two amazing seasons put together by the Phillies, who have proven just by getting back to the World Series that success doesn't have to be fleeting.

General manager Ruben Amaro has some issues to address, because if the World Series against the Yankees showed anything, it's how flawed two teams playing for a championship can be. But the Phillies can visit the World Series again next season, and win, if they follow through on these three simple steps:

1. Sign John Lackey(notes). This is pretty straightforward. He doesn't have all that many miles on him. Has postseason experience. Doesn't lack colefidence, um, confidence. Lackey and Cliff Lee(notes) give you guys you can count on. Joe Blanton(notes), too, if you're not going to count on him too much. The rest of the rotation — J.A. Happ(notes), Jamie Moyer(notes), Marty Bystrom — will sort itself out.

2. Sign Mark DeRosa(notes) to play third base and buy out Pedro Feliz(notes). Actually, Chone Figgins(notes) would be better (Jimmy Rollins(notes) isn't a leadoff hitter) but where's all the cash going to come from? What, are the Phills made of money, or something? Anyway, DeRosa has a habit of making the playoffs (six times in 10 seasons) and, if his hand injury is healed, he will fit like a Lego in a Legoland.

3. Take your best guess with Brad Lidge(notes). Relief pitchers are like the content of a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get. The Phillies bullpen was pretty much a disaster in the World Series, but relievers are so flighty, it's hard to say what Amaro should do. If he leaves them all alone, maybe they come back like 2008. Maybe he changes them around and none of them work out. He just needs to make sure the closer is sound, no matter who it is. It all flows from there, as Mariano Rivera(notes) demonstrated.

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  1. G-MAN
    1. Posted by G-MAN Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:04 am EST

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    Good on ya Philly......Boston vs Phil in 2010...I'm down for that....should of played you in 08!
  2. D
    2. Posted by D Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:04 am EST

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    What about leaving Ruiz because the offense is already pretty potent, maybe trade for someone like Kevin Kouzmanoff who is affordable and fantastic defensively, someone like Octavio Dotel to shore up the 'pen, and the Lee or Lackey and maybe Rich Harden?
  3. Charles
    3. Posted by Charles Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:22 am EST

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    Yes, upgrade third base, but make a run at Chipper Jones, who I think is a free agent. Keep Feliz as a utility guy/platooner and remove Brunlett. Jones can still hit, and he wouldn't be able to kill us anymore.
  4. sylis2182
    4. Posted by sylis2182 Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:30 am EST

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    no chipper jones... maybe a few years ago but he is getting to the point where he will always be banged up.
  5. David B. Goldstein, CPA
    5. Posted by David B. Goldstein, CPA Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:58 am EST

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    Definitely in good shape in Philly. Brett Myers deal comes off the books, and they got Taylor coming up. Thing is, they are gonna have to give raises to Hammels, Ruiz, Werth, Victorino, and that kind of screws them out of signing a big name freeagent like you suggest.
    we shall see
  6. Dee
    6. Posted by Dee Thu Nov 05, 2009 11:08 am EST

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    Outside of more pitching depth, the Phils needs are less about free agents and more about coaching and approach. The line-up is potent and the gloves are usually sound. Manuel must address some of the little things that happen in-game. The Yankees won because they played smarter baseball than Philly.
    Victorino: I love the hustle and toughness, but he can be a bonehead when it comes to baseball IQ. Why isn't the coaching staff in his ear before important at bats, like the bases-loaded situation in game 3?
    Howard: If Milt could help the big man develop a more compact swing, he would be more dangerous. I realize his power numbers are awesome, but if he could make more consistent contact and cut down on the K's, he would be a complete player. Big man in a small park... he doesn't need a long swing to be effective.
    LIdge: Hopefully, he regains his mojo next year. He still has the best stuff in the pen. If I were Charlie, I would use him in key spots to get a tough batter out, not necessarily as a closer. As Ricky Bo said, a walk, hit, or HBP is an automatic double because Brad can't hold runners on first, therefore, he can't be trusted to pitch a whole inning at the end of the game.
    Ibanez: Great first season, but he wore down in the second half. I would experiment and bring up Taylor to platoon with Raul in left field. If Taylor shows he can handle it, Raul would be huge coming off the bench.
    Luckily, Amaro didn't mortgage the future with a Halladay trade. Lee did everything Halladay could have done and we still have Taylor and Drabek to stay young moving forward.
    Great season Phils! With smart decisions, Philly should be back to the WS again soon.
  7. Tim I
    7. Posted by Tim I Thu Nov 05, 2009 11:22 am EST

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    David, Hamels signed a three-year contract in the offseason, so they've got him wrapped up for a few more years.
  8. Sir R
    8. Posted by Sir R Thu Nov 05, 2009 11:39 am EST

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    You Philly Cheesteaks, Big Mouth J Roll is waiting for u @ the ballpark, he has free Ice Cold Champagne, give him a roll of Duck Tape and tell him that next time that he opens his mouth to be ready to back-up his comments!!!
  9. eaglesphan36
    9. Posted by eaglesphan36 Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:18 pm EST

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    hey sir r... with all of J Rolls comments... they won a world series last year... he was mvp the year before that and now lost to a team with a payroll double of the phils... i would say he can talk as much trash as he wants... he has proven himself.. you stupid yankee fan... glad it took ten years of 200 million dollar payrolls for you to finally win a championship.. wont happen next year
  10. Dee
    10. Posted by Dee Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:28 pm EST

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    Sir Roid Rage? Skip your next dose and try to enjoy your cheatpionship
  11. Sir R
    11. Posted by Sir R Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:34 pm EST

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    Last year was last year, who's talking about Last year, he made his comments this year, about next year nobody knows, you and him instead of talking trash, on Friday you guys can p/u the trash after we have the parade on New York, New York city of Champions. Cheers!!!!!!
  12. astcter
    12. Posted by astcter Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:47 pm EST

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    I think we need another right-handed power bat to break up the Lefties, who got owned by Yankees lefties.
    Sir R, we have a championship and we're happy with it. The Yankees were the better team in this series. Take your championship and enjoy it, dont go online and bash the team you beat anonymously and call yourself the city of champions. You chose the Yankees as your team because you're either a) from NY or the NY area or b)you're a bandwagoner. Either way, shut your mouth, we'll see you next year.
  13. eaglesphan36
    13. Posted by eaglesphan36 Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:05 pm EST

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    sir r... im talking about j roll not the skankees... bunch of cheater roid raging overpaid players...thats what they are... new york city is not the city of champions sorry!! Dont care if you have 157 championships... baseball needs a cap
  14. d.dorney@...
    14. Posted by d.dorney@... Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:05 pm EST

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    Hey Philly Fans NLCS Penants three years in a row and a second trip to the Fall Classic. Our boys have done a great job of bringing back to Serious Baseball to the Philiadelphia area. Our stadium is packed every game our fans are die hards ! The Philles are a joy to watch and thier loyal fans know they will be back next season! They have nothing to be ashamed of! Ryan got into a funk he just couldn't seem to shake, Brad couldn't find his mojo and blah blah blah, this team is one of the all greats and I for one aplaude their efforts!
    See you in 2010
  15. Dianne
    15. Posted by Dianne Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:16 pm EST

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    the phillies will be back. charlie manuel is the best. he's very wise,the team knows that and can trust his judgement. love you charlie. to allthe guys your the best. love this team.
  16. DENNIS
    16. Posted by DENNIS Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:16 pm EST

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    So the yankees brought another sertes. That;s why I don't follow baseball. Good season Philly! you were just short of 11 million!
  17. sam spade
    17. Posted by sam spade Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:24 pm EST

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    Charlie Manuel is a very good manager. The Fightins Phillies will be back next year.
  18. Buck
    18. Posted by Buck Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:45 pm EST

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    i'm not giving up on Cole yet. Let him get his head straight over the offseason and come back fresh. but they really do need to upgrade the 3B and Lackey would be awesome.
  19. RichD
    19. Posted by RichD Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:14 pm EST

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    I hope the Phillies and their fans enjoyed their little run. As it eventually happens with all Philly teams, it's now over.
  20. jason s
    20. Posted by jason s Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:19 pm EST

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    how is it not obvious to everyone.fire brad lidge!!!
  21. ronald f
    21. Posted by ronald f Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:25 pm EST

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    That's comical...NY the city of champs. OK the Yankees are kings for another year. Where are the rest of the NY teams ? Giants and Jets are fading fast in football, the Rangers aren't even talked about in hockey and the Knicks would have to bring back Willis Reed to even think of a title. The Mets have a chance if they stay healthy but all those veterans get hurt easily and they have nothing in their farm system to fall back on.
  22. Mark H
    22. Posted by Mark H Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:28 pm EST

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    1) Signing Lackey sounds great: Lee, Lackey, Hamels, Blanton, Happ would give the Phils a nice l,r,l,r,l rotation and Hamels is probably a better fit as a 3 than as a 1 or 2. Blanton and Happ might be the best 4,5 in the league.
    2) De Rosa- no. Feliz is a better fielder and in 2009 had more RBI and hits. Don't discount the importance on defense getting the phils into the post season.
    3) The bullpen, ugh! Well it looks like Moyers and Park as the long left and right handers and Romero, Madson, and Lidge at the back end. Lidge will certainly not be worse than he was in 2009 and the team made the World series. hey probably need him to be a little better, that's all. The short guys are a toss up with Condrey, Durbin, Eyre, and somebody from the minors.
    4) The bench should be a huge concern. Please get rid of Stairs and Brunlett. We need a spare outfielder who can hit and play the field. I can't believe that Victorino and Werth and are going to stay as injury and slump free as they have over the past three years, so we need a guy to spell those two. Also, replace Bako, let's get another bat.
    ottom line, teh Phils should be favored in the National League, but they need another big arm for teh playoffs and some guys who can hit off the bench. The bullpen will sort itself out.
  23. ronald f
    23. Posted by ronald f Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:42 pm EST

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    Signing Lackey might be good but I think Moyer, Myers and Martinez will be gone. 2 are free agents and the other is too old. Remember...the Phillies have one of the top minor league pitchers in Kyle Drabek. Had a great season at Reading, will probably go to spring training with a shot at making it or Triple-A for a half year and coming up in July. Amaro was smart not to let him go....they know what he is gonna do eventually.
  24. Brizl
    24. Posted by Brizl Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:42 pm EST

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    Wow Ronald, with that city of champs comment I would hope you're not from Philly. If so what would you know about champs? You couldn't possibly think that winning a couple of championships in the modern era actually qualifies you to even speak on such things. The Yankees alone have out done everything in the history of your city in all sports.
    Knock it off. It was the best team from the NL against the best team from the AL, which is all you could want from a World series. The Yankees were the better team over-all and Manuel and the players knew it and admitted so. End of story. Good luck next year. Hopefully you don't fall off and we can be back here again.
  25. BrianK
    25. Posted by BrianK Thu Nov 05, 2009 2:49 pm EST

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    Charlie Manuel is the new Ben Franklin. Best thing that's happened to this city since 1776.

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