By FRANK WARD
DailyPhiladelphian.com Editor

Halladay, Lee, Hamels and Oswalt? Check.

Howard, Utley, Chooch, Victorino? Check.

Charlie Manuel? Umm, well, uhhh….

The Phillies have done a great job acquiring talent and securing them to long term deals when appropriate. Now, it’s time to pay the manager. Ruben Amaro, Phillies ownership and Uncle Charlie will get a deal done. But, the sooner the better.

The Phillies need to pay Charlie Manuel and come north without any negativity.

The fact is that this team has put together a squad that nobody wants to face. Imagine being a team coming in to town for a three game series. There’s a 20 percent chance that you will get one game out of three against a pitcher who has not been to an All-Star game. The other days, well, you’re in trouble.

Taking a manager north, one who has won a World Series title, without a contract at this point is stupid. Why have any possible negativity follow this team right now? Charlie would never make it an issue. But, his players would know it and they love him. Hell, Philly loves this guy because of the parade two years ago.

Manuel apparently wants to be paid like one of the best at his profession. You know what? He’s earned it. You can point out all the boneheaded moves you want, but he keeps this team motivated and playing well. Try getting to three straight NLCS. Try getting back to a World Series the year after winning it. It’s not easy.

Plus, last year despite a plethora of injuries — the type of injuries that have costs teams such as the Mets seasons — Manuel had this team finish with the best record in baseball.

He says he won’t talk about a contract after Spring Training. He would never want to distract the team. I believe him. Still, why chance it becoming an issue?

Get a deal done. There really is no reason not to.