Phillies lock up Manuel through 2011

Dec 10, 2008 - 3:27 AM LAS VEGAS (Ticker) -- After guiding the Philadelphia Phillies to a World Series title, Charlie Manuel was rewarded Tuesday for ending the 25-year championship drought in "The City of Brotherly Love."

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced Manuel will be Philadelphia's manager for at least the next three seasons, picking up a contract option for 2010 and extending the deal through the 2011 campaign.

Manuel, who came in second in the National League Manager of the Year voting to Lou Piniella of the Chicago Cubs, has finished each of his four seasons in Philadelphia with a winning record, going 354-294 over that span while capturing the NL East Division crown each of the last two years.

"Charlie is happy and pleased and ready to win ballgames," Amaro told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "That's what he told me. He's done some great things for this organization. His steadying influence and the way he goes about his business in the clubhouse are a big part of our success."

The World Series win was the first since 1980 for the Phillies, who defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in five games. It was the first title for the city's four major sports teams since the 76ers captured the NBA championship in 1983.