Link

PHILADELPHIA -- Gerry Hunsicker still isn't talking about his interest in becoming the next Phillies general manager, but that doesn't mean talk about his taking the position must stop.

The most successful general manager in Astros history is the hottest name floating around Philadelphia talk shows and in the local media -- up there with Yankees GM Brian Cashman, whose contract expires at the end of the month and who might not return.

Hunsicker has declined to comment all week when asked about his plans to return to the high-profile job he quit after the 2004 season. He served as an advisor this season, when Houston edged Philadelphia in the National League Wild Card race.

The list of potential candidates also includes Mets senior vice president of baseball operations Jim Duquette, former Boston GM Dan Duquette (Jim's cousin), former Texas GM John Hart, Braves assistant GM Frank Wren and Nationals GM Jim Bowden.

Unlike last season, when the Phillies announced each of their managerial candidates and scheduled interviews with each, the search for a general manager will be largely private.

To that end, team president David Montgomery has huddled in meetings since Tuesday, researching possibilities, though he took a break on Wednesday to talk about a contract with free-agent closer Billy Wagner.

League sources familiar with the search have confirmed that Wade's replacement will be someone with an impressive resume, and Hunsicker fits that bill. The 54-year-old was the architect of five playoff teams during his nine years in Houston, and they posted a 701-595 record in that span -- the sixth-best winning percentage (.541) in baseball.

Hunsicker signed Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens two years ago, and he traded for center fielder Carlos Beltran in June 2004. He traded for or signed talents such as Randy Johnson, Octavio Dotel, Moises Alou, Vinny Castilla and Adam Everett, and he re-signed icons Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio to extensions.

Under his watch, Hunsicker oversaw a farm system that produced Lance Berkman, Brad Lidge, Roy Oswalt, Wade Miller and Morgan Ensberg.

"Gerry would be a fine fit in Philadelphia," said Wagner, who knows Hunsicker from Houston. "I know Gerry, and I know what he's capable of. He's one guy that can go out there and get things done. He's fantastic, and he'll go out there and find that piece that's missing to get you over the hump."

Hunsicker reportedly will interview for a job with the Devil Rays, either as the general manager or as a senior advisor to 28-year-old Andrew Friedman, who may get the GM job.

While Montgomery reportedly is still discussing candidates with a search committee that includes Dallas Green and John Vukovich, interviews could begin as early as next week, though no one with the Phillies would confirm that.