So Pedro Martinez is taking his spot in the rotation, and Jamie Moyer is not pleased, saying that he is “disheartened,” and feels like he was “misled” by Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr.

Naturally, Amaro had to respond, so he issued the following statement. “When we signed Jamie Moyer in December it was under the pretense of being a starter. But right now circumstances have changed and that’s why we’re moving him to the bullpen.”

Now apparently Amaro does not quite understand the meaning of the word “pretense”, because if he did, he would realize that in his statement he appears to be flat-out admitting that he deliberately misled Moyer.

According to the dictionary, a “pretense” is “a false appearance or action intended to deceive.”

Then again, it might not be Amaro’s fault, as the statement is reported to have been “issued by his office.” Perhaps the entire Phillies front offices is also a bit challenged by basic English vocabulary?

Pat Gillick is outta here, baby.

Well, not right away. But the moment his contract expires, you can kiss his pasty, wrinkled butt goodbye.

Gillick says he’ll continue to be the GM of the Philadelphia Phillies through the end of next season, and then he’s going to retire. For good this time.

From the Philadelphia Daily News:

“I’ll fulfill my contract. It’s time to think about doing some other things in life.”

No, those things have nothing to do with heading an ownership group interested in buying the Mariners, as has been rumored, even though Gillick moved his primary residence back to Seattle earlier this year.

This is big news for Phillies fans, but even bigger news for Phillies Assistant GM Ruben Amaro, Jr., who has been mentioned as a favorite to land the Pittsburgh Pirates GM opening, despite the fact that he has yet to interview for the job.

Amaro, who played for the Phillies during the 90’s before joining the team’s front office, has to be considered the favorite to replace Gillick, especially now that Ed Wade is off the market.

Count on Amara to quietly tell the Pirates he’s not interested, then put his feet up on the desk and wait for the 2008 season to end.