"THE PHILLIES are officially in the market for a third baseman, bringing a new level of intrigue to the offseason as members of the front office arrive in Chicago today for the start of baseball's annual general managers meetings.

Last night, the club announced that it has declined Pedro Feliz' $5.5 million option for the 2010 season, making the 2-year starter a free agent. It leaves general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. with an opportunity to upgrade a lineup that led the National League in runs and home runs, but was prone to maddening stretches of impotence, thanks in part to its vulnerability against lefthanded pitchers.

Feliz contributed to both areas, driving in 82 runs and hitting .336 with runners in scoring position, but hitting just .208 against lefties and enduring lengthy slumps (.186 in 16 games from Aug. 14-30, .227 in 20 games from Sept. 13 through the end of the season, .167 in 15 postseason games). He finished hitting .262 with 12 homers in 158 games.

Although Amaro said Friday that a decision to decline Feliz' option would not necessarily stop the team from attempting to bring him back at a lower salary, it is clear that the Phillies feel there are some attractive alternatives on the free-agent market.

"This doesn't preclude us from bringing Pedro back next season," Amaro said last night in a statement. "While this allows us to explore other opportunities, we will continue to keep the lines of communication open with Pedro and his representative."

Among the players who could be available once the free-agent signing period begins on Nov. 20 are Angels All-Star Chone Figgins, Mariners Gold Glover Adrian Beltre, and veteran utility man Mark DeRosa, all of whom would seem to fit the Phillies' needs for a dependable righthanded bat.

But there are plenty of other veteran righthanded hitters who are eligible for free agency, including the Cardinals' Troy Glaus, the Tigers' Placido Polanco and the Orioles' Melvin Mora."