Josh

Phelps

“It depends on how we fill out the team over the winter,’' manager Eric Wedge said regarding Phelps’ spot on the Indians. “We’re going to have to find a way to get him into the lineup. We already feel strong about Travis Hafner and Ben Broussard, and there are only so many at-bats to be had. But he’s definitely in the mix.’'

That price would be first base prospect Wes Bankston. The Rays will wait for the Indians to come down on what they’re asking for or they’ll hope that Phelps just gets released.

“I think (Josh) is the first option for two reasons,” manager Carlos Tosca said. “No. 1, he’s much improved. He’s worked very hard at his defense. The second is, eventually it might come down to him being our first baseman.” Delgado is eligible for free agency after the season, and Phelps could be his replacement in 2005.

It sure would be nice to see one trade get done that has absolutely, positively nothing to do with money. This would be one, but it doesn’t seem likely to happen. We really like Riley, but Phelps would be a very high price to pay for him.

He can make an additional $200,000 in incentives. Phelps will get a chance to win a job as the everyday DH in spring training.

Despite his troubles hitting against tough right-handers, Phelps should have been getting the majority of the starts at first base while Carlos Delgado recovers from his ribcage muscle injury. Instead, Phelps is platooning at DH with Frank Catalanotto. If the Jays won’t play him ahead of Howie Clark and Dave Berg, what does that say about Phelps’ stock in the organization?

Phelps will play against left-handers at either DH or first base. He is also working out in the outfield and is the Tribe’s emergency catcher. We suspect Phelps will have something to prove to the Blue Jay brass tomorrow afternoon.

Manager Carlos Tosca said he has spoken to Phelps about his reduced time. ''I think he understands. But I’m going to try to get him at-bats.’' Johnson, hitting .326, hasn’t been out of the lineup since Shannon Stewart returned from the DL June 23. Phelps owners should remain patient.

If this is something that’s been bothering Phelps for a while, then the Jays have been keeping it quiet until now. Reed Johnson will act as the full-time right fielder until Phelps is healthy, allowing Frank Catalanotto to DH.

Phelps is batting an unremarkable .281/.343/.449 in 178 at-bats for Toledo, so he wasn’t exactly on the verge of a callup. He’ll get back to the majors someday, but he has to rediscover the stroke that made him a top prospect in the early part of the decade.