The parade has ended, and the flag has been flown. Like Chase Utley so eloquently put, the Phillies are “World ****ing Champions”. Although some Philadelphians are still celebrating the Phillies World Series win, the 2008 baseball season is officially over.

The playing season that is; now comes the offseason.

With only one day into the offseason, the Phillies have not wasted any time shaping up their 2009 team as they have announced they will not pick up the options on pitcher Tom Gordon and outfielder So Taguchi.

Gordon appeared in 32 games for the Phillies this season going 5-4 with a 5.14 ERA. He was sidelined since early-July with a sore elbow, which required surgery earlier this month. Most likely he will not be ready for the start of the 2009 season.

Taguchi had somewhat of a disappointing season for the Phillies. Sporadically used, Taguchi struggled at the plate, and make a few key defensive errors, which led Charlie Manuel to use infielder Eric Bruntlett at Pat Burrell defensive replacement. Although he struggled, Phillies fans should remember Taguchi for his July 22nd at-bat against the Mets. His bases loaded double scored two runs, leading the Phillies to an 8-6 win.