You make a valid point about what Gonzalez represents, and I agree that it's a curious move, as Gonzalez and Nunez are interchangeable. That said, Gonzalez represents another veteran presence who can play multiple positions, and manager Charlie Manuel suggested that they may be tried in the outfield. Gonzalez or Nunez can fill in at first against tough lefties, or steal at-bats away from Bell at third base.

Bell and Nunez are the two players who should be concerned. Manuel insisted Bell is his starter at the hot corner, but conceded he'll go with the hot hand. Should Bell produce, one of them could be shopped for an outfielder.

Brett Myers showed last year he can be a great strikeout pitcher. Some people compare him to Curt Schilling. Do you see this as his breakout year?
-- Chris H., Reading, Pa.

Myers allowed three or less runs in 25 of his 34 starts in 2005, and lowered his ERA by nearly two runs from the previous season. That's pretty close to a breakout year. Myers simply must continue down the path that has made him one the team's most reliable starters. He came so far in 2005 in terms of controlling his emotions on the mound, and has become better at pitching well without his best stuff. Another fine season is likely.

How does Gavin Floyd fit into the Phillies' plans? Does he have a legitimate shot to start the season on their big-league roster?
-- Bill M., Audubon, N.J.

Barring a Spring Training injury similar to Vicente Padilla last year, it's going to be tough for Floyd to break camp in the starting rotation. The Phillies are content with Jon Lieber, Myers, Cory Lidle, Ryan Franklin and Ryan Madson, and will wait for Floyd to pitch his way back into their plans. He has Minor League options, and the Phillies plan to use them. Ditto for Cole Hamels, who first has to prove he can stay healthy.

Has everyone forgotten about Rob Tejeda? He was awesome. Yes, he gave up a lot of walks, but he challenged hitters. His ERA is better than Franklin's, so what are the chances he will make our rotation?
-- Freddy T., Winslow Township

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Tejeda fell off the map after his right shoulder flared up, but there's no denying his contribution last season. Right or wrong, the Phillies plan to use him as a long reliever and insurance policy in 2006. There are some in the organization who feel he has late-inning setup type stuff, but can't fully get there until he can better command the strike zone.

Others see Tejada as a starter, but called him the luckiest pitcher alive because of the jams escaped. There's no question that his control must improve for him to progress. He throws hard enough to be successful and gets great movement on his pitches. The Phillies just need him to remain flexible at this point.

Is Bobby Abreu happy being a Phillie, or does he desire to play somewhere else?
-- Kurt H., Millerstown, Pa.

It is my belief that Abreu is happy playing baseball, period. Very little upsets him, even the fact that he was rumored to be traded to every team this winter. The question of whether his feelings were hurt will be asked often this spring, and he'll likely give the standard "It's a business" answer. Then he'll go out and get ready for the season. Like him or not, he's at the point where you know exactly what he's going to give.

Will Jim Thome have a big year with the White Sox, and do you think Ryan Howard will hit 35 homers this season?
-- Ryan F., Philadelphia

Thome is certainly capable of a few more productive seasons, provided his back and elbow cooperate. Being a designated hitter again in the American League can't hurt, as he won't have to play the field. Thome was simply was never healthy last season, and it showed.

As for Howard, he'll be given every opportunity to hit those 35 homers, and his numbers projected over a full season put him at about 40. I'm a believer. This guy has amazing power to all fields and is playing in a friendly stadium for hitters at Citizens Bank Park. Scouts compare him to David Ortiz and Mo Vaughn, which has to be a good sign.