We had a chance to talk with David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News (and his High Cheese blog) for a little Phillies off-season preview Q&A, as they head to the Winter Meetings in Indianapolis next week. Two parts. Below is part one:

Q: What is the Phillies focus heading into the Winter Meetings?
A: Third base is the big thing, obviously, the one starting spot that’s open. But I think one of the big concerns is the bullpen. They’d love to add another guy who can pitch in the 8th or 9th inning. They need a guy who is capable of pitching multiple innings. That might be Chan Ho Park. Chad Durbin could be back too. The tough thing about the reliever market is so many people need pitching and it’s really year-to-year how well they do.

Q: Has the reliever market changed the most over the last few years?
A: Well, you’re seeing guys pay a lot for their relievers and it’s the riskiest position to pay for. It’s tough to forecast, just look at Lidge. He got a three-year contract extension and he has really the worst year of his career. I think they’re a little worried about him but have no choice but to operate under the assumption that he will be respectable.

Q: Is Roy Halladay an option?
A: Ruben Amaro says no, and he’s insistent about it. Cliff Lee, remember, is going to break the bank, and I could be wrong, but if he’s going to get a contract that pays him what his market value is, I don’t think the Phillies will be the team that gives it to him. They’ve always operated under the philosophy not to give pitchers longer than three year deals.

Q: Third base options?
A: I don’t know that they have a specific guy. They’ve always liked De Rosa. Polanco would fit what they’re looking to do. Beltre is definately a consideration. It’s hard to say who’s the best guy yet because the market hasn’t unfolded. Beltre is a Boras guy, which sometimes can be overrated, but you’re not going to get him on the cheap.

Q: Are you surprised at how slow the market has unfolded?
A: Not really. Pretty much everyone we talked to expected that. Even in a normal year, not much happens before the Winter Meetings, partly because of the non-tender deadline. If someone might not be offered arbitration, you’re going to wait to sign him. There are a lot of Type A free agents that might not be offered arbitration, so you wait and save the draft pick.

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