PHILADELPHIA -- Pat Burrell's frustrating 2006 season may lead to a busy offseason for the Phillies, but one they hope might provide them with a new left fielder.

Answering a question regarding Philadelphia's offseason plans, general manager Pat Gillick again referred to Burrell's struggles and sounded as if the team were looking further ahead, suggesting that the team will again be receptive to trading Burrell.

"We're going to have to continue to look for a little more offense," he said. "We know that at this point, Pat has had a difficult time protecting [Ryan] Howard. We're going to have to continue to have to make an adjustment in that area."

This of course doesn't mean Burrell won't be a Phillie in 2007, just that Gillick would like to find a more consistent number five hitter, one who didn't hit .222 with runners in scoring position and make it easy for teams not to pitch to Howard.

Had Burrell agreed to waive his no-trade clause in July, the Phillies would've shipped him and at least some of the remaining $27 million he is owed over the next two seasons. If another deal is explored, it will likely require the Phillies to pick up a significant portion of that salary.

Much of the Phillies' plans might start with Burrell. If he remains a Phillie, it might require the team exploring a deal for Aaron Rowand, unless they opt to play him and Shane Victorino in center and right, respectively. That would leave Jeff Conine backing up at both corner outfield spots.

If Burrell goes, Conine could start in left, and the Phillies could enter into the free-agent waters. Alfonso Soriano will likely be the fans' choice, though his expected salary might be prohibitive.

Once Burrell's situation is resolved, Gillick reiterated that the Phillies will continue to focus on pitching. The team will need to fill out their rotation after Jon Lieber, Brett Myers and Cole Hamels. Randy Wolf and Jamie Moyer are free agents, and either, both or neither could return next season.

"Naturally, we're going to have to continue to improve our pitching," Gillick said. "I think one thing that's been proven" in the American League Championship Series "is how well Detroit has pitched. If you look at the seven games they've won, it all goes back to pitching."

Philling in: Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., community relations director Gene Dias, and employee assistance professional Dickie Noles were among the front-office personnel expected to attend Tuesday's memorial service for pitcher Cory Lidle, in Lidle's hometown of Covina, Calif. Victorino and Chase Utley were also expected to attend. ... In lieu of flowers, Lidle's family requested that donations be made to the family of Tyler Stanger, who died in the plane crash with Lidle. ... Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre manager John Russell will interview for the Rangers' managerial job on Thursday. The former Phillies and Rangers catcher was the International League Manager of the Year. Russell interviewed last week to be one of Manuel's coaches, and was of eight men to interview to be the Phillies' skipper in 2004.