PHILADELPHIA -- An unlikely person figures to contribute off the bench this season, giving manager Charlie Manuel plenty of options.

No one expected Placido Polanco back after a second productive year as the everyday second baseman. With prospect Chase Utley ready to step in, Philadelphia figured Polanco would find a multiyear offer to start elsewhere.

Instead, he sent the Phillies over budget by accepting arbitration and created a situation in which the Phillies are paying a utility player $4.6 million. While that may figure into a future decision to trade Polanco, for now he adds significant depth off the bench.

"With him, we're a better ballclub," said general manager Ed Wade. "There are no plans to move him now. Will we entertain moving him? Yes. But it would have to be a deal that makes us better."

Polanco makes the bench better because of his ability to play second base, third base and shortstop. He's played second and third for the Phillies during his 2 1/2 seasons, and he logged innings at short while with St. Louis.

The position uncertainty hasn't affected his offense, as he swatted a career-best 17 homers and batted .298, batting mostly second in the order. With just 39 strikeouts, he was one of the toughest to fan in the National League.

• Catchers: Lieby to return • Corner inf.: Models of consistency • Middle inf.: Utley takes over at 2nd • Outfielders: Lofton brings experience • Starting rotation: Lieber new ace • Bullpen: Wagner looking to rebound • Bench: Polanco keeps Phil's versatile

Joining Polanco as a defensive infielder extraordinaire is Tomas Perez. The switch-hitter had his worst offensive season in Philadelphia, but hit a career-high six homers. Perez's greatest asset remains the late-inning defense he provides, especially at second, and he's the club's second-best fielding shortstop behind Jimmy Rollins..

In the outfield, Jason Michaels saw his visibility increase with his most productive season yet. Replacing an inefficient Marlon Byrd for the better part of the second half, Michaels exhibited characteristics that suggested he could handle a regular job.

But the acquisition of lefty swinging Kenny Lofton moved Michaels into a platoon. Though Michaels would have relished the chance to start, he understands the value that Lofton brings to the Phillies.

"Kenny's going to bring a lot of leadership to the clubhouse, and he knows what it takes to win," said Michaels. "There's a lot he can teach me."

Todd Pratt returns as catcher Mike Lieberthal's understudy for what will be his eighth season as a Phillie. A member of the 1993 team, Pratt's second stint began midway through 2001. He hit .258 with three homers in 45 games last season.

Assuming Manuel takes 12 pitchers north, that leaves one more bench spot after Polanco, Michaels, Perez and Pratt. A darkhorse candidate to make the team is Ryan Howard, an intimidating sort who provides a left-handed power threat. Such a decision must be weighed against the team's desire to see their young slugger play every day, something that can't happen in the Majors.

That said, the battle looks to be between switch-hitters Jose Offerman and Shane Victorino.

A Rule 5 Draft selection, Victorino must make the team out of Spring Training or be offered back to the Dodgers. His edge over Offerman is that he's a gifted defender who can play all three outfield positions.

Offerman, however, is a veteran of 14 Major League seasons and has adjusted to the role of part-time player and pinch-hitter. He becomes more valuable should Polanco be dealt, and can provide insurance at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre until needed.

"The move [to sign Offerman] was made to give the club another left-handed bat coming off the bench," said Wade. "He'll compete with Howard and Victorino as possible left-handed bats coming off the bench. He's a player with pretty significant experience, and significant winning experience -- a no-panic guy."