Coste closer than ever to making 'The Show'

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Chris Coste will head to Philadelphia this weekend.

He just hopes the trip ends there.

Coste leaves Florida with a .463 spring batting average and a brightly flickering dream of becoming a 33-year-old Major League rookie. Much has been written and said about what he's done this spring and how he can't do much more to show he belongs.

So it might just come down to numbers.

"This is the closest I've been," Coste said. "Even though it's still unclear, the one positive note is that I'm on the map. If I don't make the team, it will be disappointing, but for the first time in my career, I know there'll be a shot during the season."

That shot might come Opening Day, should Coste beat out Tomas Perez and Chris Roberson for the final roster spot. Coste's chances will increase if third baseman David Bell lands on the disabled list.

The equation also changes if the Phillies make a trade or claim a player off waivers.

"It's a possibility -- not a probability, but a possibility," general manager Pat Gillick said about a potential move.

Manager Charlie Manuel deals in absolutes and is prepared to select the 13 best position players from the group he has in camp. He acknowledged having some tough decisions, and he understands Coste is the sentimental favorite.

But sentimental favorites still have to hit, and Coste has shown an ability to hit Major League pitching. This week alone, he doubled off Roy Halladay and Josh Beckett.

"If he can hit a 95-mph fastball in rookie ball, he can hit a 95-mph fastball in heaven," Manuel said. "The old saying is, 'If you can hit, you can hit.' He's a much better player than people realize. He's 33 years old and has been in the Minor Leagues for a long time. Don't ever let that be a mark against you. That doesn't mean he can't play in the big leagues."

Coste is praying for the chance.

"I've wanted to be a baseball player since I saw my first game when I was 5," Coste said. "I like having a uniform on my back."