Phillies' Manuel gets 2-year extension

The Philadelphia Phillies rewarded manager Charlie Manuel yesterday with a two-year contract extension through 2013, his prize for four straight NL East titles, a World Series championship and the team's exceedingly bright future.

Hardly a popular choice when first hired, the folksy Manuel has guided the Phillies to the best record in the NL since taking over. Hard-to-please Phillies fans have warmed to his Southern drawl, and he's even had his own bobblehead day at Citizens Bank Park.

"Between our players and everything in the organization, the things that developed here, I think we have a good thing going," Manuel said. "This is definitely the place I wanted to stay. I look forward to getting on down the road and seeing if we can't even get better."

Manuel turned 67 in January and is baseball's oldest manager. He said he isn't thinking about retiring anytime soon.

"More than likely I'll probably stay around as long as they'll have me," Manuel said. "I don't think I'm going to catch [Penn State football coach Joe] Paterno."

General manger Ruben Amaro Jr. said the new deal included reworking Manuel's salary for the 2011 season.

Details of the contract weren't made public, but Manuel reportedly will be paid between $7 million and $8 million total for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

Salazar has surgery

Atlanta Braves minor-league manager Luis Salazar was scheduled for more facial surgery a day after being hit by Brian McCann's foul liner while standing in the dugout during an exhibition game.

Braves spokesman Brad Hainje said "it may be another day or two before we have final clarification on everything they had to do." Salazar had surgery Wednesday after being airlifted to the hospital. -- AP