The Philadelphia Phillies manager also likes Duke enough that he is trying persuade general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. to look into what it might take to pry him away from the Pirates in a trade.

While the Phillies have been linked to the two top starting pitchers currently on the trade market, Toronto’s Roy Halladay and Cleveland’s Cliff Lee, there are some in the organization who would rather pursue Duke. Duke cannot become a free agent until after the 2011 season, meaning the Phillies would have control over him for two-plus seasons. Halladay and Lee could both become free agents after the 2010 season.

The Phillies have a deep farm system and could make an attractive offer for Duke, though it seems likely Class AA Reading right-hander Kyle Drabek and high Class A Clearwater outfielder Dominic Brown would be off limits. However, the Phillies have a host of prospects at Class AAA Lehigh Valley who could interest the Pirates, including right-handers Andrew Carpenter and Carlos Carrasco, shortstop Jason Donald and outfielder Michael Taylor.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs have stepped up their pursuit of left-handed reliever John Grabow. However, the Cubs have one of the game’s weakest farm systems and it is believed they have few minor-leaguers who interest the Pirates.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Florida Marlins also are said to have interest in Grabow.

Atlanta and Minnesota have both checked in on second baseman Freddy Sanchez. However, the $8.1-million option for next season that triggers if Sanchez reaches 600 plate appearances this season remains a stumbling block for many teams. It is one of the reasons why San Francisco has backed off, particularly after acquiring first baseman/outfielder Ryan Garko from Cleveland in a trade on Monday night.

Multiple executives say they believe the Pirates have little chance of getting much in return for Sanchez without being willing part of the option.

Finally, Boston is again kicking the tires on shortstop Jack Wilson. The Red Sox have had on-and-off interest in throughout most of the season and are interested again after trading veteran shortstop Julio Lugo to St. Louis last week.

Of course, Wilson has been the subject of so many rumors for so many years, yet somehow always remains in a Pirates’ uniform.