That should answer a bulk of the questions received this week. Here are a few more.

Is it safe to say that Pat Gillick has changed his mind about the team not contending in 2007? It certainly looks that way. It was great to see the players force management to go for it.
-- Martin M., Lancaster, Pa.

Yes. I believe Gillick made that statement at the trading deadline because he wanted to lower expectations on young players like Shane Victorino, Cole Hamels, Scott Mathieson and others who were about to see their playing time and profiles increase. He also said he wasn't sure how quickly those players were going to develop. At the time, Victorino was hitting .186 in June and July combined, while Hamels had a 6.27 ERA over the same period. When the team drastically improved, Gillick added Jamie Moyer and Jeff Conine. Since the end of the season, he's been saying that the Phillies are eyeing the playoffs, not a rebuilding plan, and quickly backed it up by re-signing Moyer for two more seasons.

I want Soriano here as much as every fan, but shouldn't the Phillies concentrate more on adding pitching? What about Barry Zito and Jason Schmidt?
-- Marcia L., Oreland, Pa.

The Phillies would be interested, but Zito and Schmidt aren't interested in pitching in Philadelphia, according to people close to the players. The Phillies aren't ignoring their pitching situation, but will likely seek help on the trading market. Keep the White Sox in mind as they look to clear a starter and make room for Brandon McCarthy. Chicago radio stations were abuzz this week with talk of Rowand returning in a three-way deal, stoking the coals of the Hot Stove.

Will the Phillies make a run at Drew or are their relations with him too strained?
-- Mark S., Collegeville, Pa.

Wouldn't that be rich if Drew was Philadelphia's Opening Day right-fielder 10 years after he and agent Scott Boras spurned the club that made him the second overall pick in June 1997 -- and just how long would it take for the fans to forgive him? Putting those obvious soap operas aside, the Phillies are seeking a right-handed hitter, and will likely be making a bid for Soriano this week. Boras will likely get Drew his money, but it won't come from the Phillies.

Have a question about the Phillies? E-mail your query to MLB.com Phillies beat reporter Ken Mandel for possible inclusion in a future Inbox column. Letters may be edited for brevity, length and/or content. First Name, Last Initial: Hometown: Email Address: Question:

I hear a lot of talk about the Phillies going after Soriano, but what about Lee? He probably could be signed for less, has a better average, fewer strikeouts and wants to play in the outfield, not second base like Soriano does.
-- Ed W., Ridley Park, Pa.

Lee wants to play the outfield because playing second base isn't an option, and the Phillies aren't fans of him. They have their reasons, starting with his defense. Soriano will head to the team that gives him the most money/years. His preference for second base will factor in only when financial considerations are equal. A big factor might end up being a full-trade clause. Gillick called that demand a "deal-breaker," but conceded that the Phillies would be willing to work out something like a limited no-trade provision. Either way, the pursuit could stretch into December, with the Mets and Angels also expected to be involved.

I know Abraham Nunez had a decent September, but let's not overlook the rest of his year. How much of a priority is finding a dependable hitter at third base?
-- Nate B., Mendham, N.J.

While the team is looking to improve on an offense that scored the most runs in the league last season, they're not looking to do it at third base. Gillick and his charges are willing to accept Nunez's defense and would rather add a big bat in the outfield to replace Burrell. (And to answer another question, Soriano would play right field if Burrell isn't dealt). They'll add a bench player who can play third base, and hope to get offensive production from that spot.

Rich Aurilia's name has come up in some circles as a possible target. While I like his numbers at the plate, don't you feel that Nunez is a better defensive third baseman?
--Michael B., Camden, N.J.

Yes, I do. Nunez is also better defensively than Mark DeRosa and Wes Helms, two other popular hot corner targets.

Is there any chance of Tomas Perez making a comeback? He was a great fill-in guy who was fun to watch and I was upset when he wasn't brought back last year. I think he could be the glue the Phillies need for a serious run.
-- Ricky H., Forked River, N.J.

I respectfully disagree with you there. Perez did a solid job for the Phillies in 2001-03, but has hit .219 over the past three seasons. Though we all remember a few big hits he's had, he's not the final piece of the playoff puzzle.