The Phils need to keep spending

Paul Hagen reports in today’s Daily News that the Phillies and Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas have yet to open negotiations on a new contract. Hagen seems to think what most Phillies fans in the area do; namely, that a season without Kalas broadcasting games is completely unfathomable. There have been no discussions between the Phillies and Kalas' new high-powered agent, Los Angeles-based Ed Hookstratten. Still, it's almost impossible not to imagine the situation being resolved. The Phillies must be aware that Kalas, who has been with the team since 1971, remains hugely popular with fans, and must be mindful of the outcry that occurred in Detroit a few years ago when the Tigers tried to nudge iconic Ernie Harwell into retirement. For his part, Kalas remains optimistic – about a contract and this year’s club. "I'm still confident we'll work something out," Kalas said. "I hope so. I'm really excited about this year's ballclub." So are we, Harry.