I had a chance to do an interview with Phillies Special Assistant and former General Manager Pat Gillick after the Clearwater-Dunedin game Saturday night. He started his GM career in 1977 with the Blue Jays and stepped down in 08 as the Phillies GM. He was also the GM for the Mariners and Orioles, guiding all four teams to the postseason, and the Mariners, Jays, and Orioles have not been in the playoffs since he left. You could consider him a part of Philadelphia history for helping put together that magical 2008 season. He has won three championships(92, 93, 08), and has been in the playoffs eleven times as a GM(85, 89, 91, 92, 93, 96, 97, 00, 01, 07, 08).

Q: What are your roles as a Senior Adviser?
A: As an Senior Adviser I do scouting at the amateur and professional levels, as well as recommending trades.

Q: Many people consider you to be one of the best General Manager’s of all-time, your thoughts on this statement?
A: I have been very fortunate to have a lot of good people to work with throughout the years. Just like a manager, you are only as good as the people around you.

Q: And updates on Joe(Blanton), J.C.(Romero), or Brad(Lidge)?
A: Brad and J.C. are making progress and are probably a few weeks away. Joe is about t wo weeks away as well.

Q: Do you see this 2010 team being better than 09? 08?
A: Yes, while we only got to have Cliff(Lee) for a portion of the season, we will have Roy(Halladay) for a whole season this year. (Placido)Polanco is one of the better two hole hitters in all of baseball, and I think Cole will have a better year than last. I believe it is slightly better than 08.

Q: Has Roy had an affect on any of the other players?
A: He has just by the way he handles and conducts himself and his business on the field and in the clubhouse. He is quiet and leads by example.

Q: What would you say is your most successful trade as a General Manager?
A: I would say it was the trade I made with the San Diego Padres(December 5, 1990), where I sent Fred McGriff and Tony Fernandez to San Diego for Joe Carter and Roberto Alomar.

Q: What do you like most about the Philadelphia organization?
A: The Phillies have a very good scouting and player development system, and they are very consistent with what they do through Minor League Baseball. They care a lot about their employees, and make sure they are all happy.

I would like to thank Mr. Gillick for taking his time to do this interview with me.