PITTSBURGH, Pa.It used to be easier. In the past, when his guys were healthy, Charlie Manuel would stick to the same lineup as much as possible. He probably saved the Phillies a lot of money on paper costs over the years. No need to write out a new lineup card when you can just recycle the old one day after day.That wont happen this year. This week, in advance of Thursdays season opener against the Pirates at PNC Park, Manuel said several times that hell likely mess with the lineup more than he has in the past. Some of thatlike the entire right side of the infieldcant be helped because of injury issues. But what about left field? What's going on out there?That it's even a question is somewhat surprising. John Mayberry had a career-high 267 at-bats last season and hit .273 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs. When the Phils moved on from Raul Ibanez, it seemed like the job was Mayberrys to lose in much the same way that Ben Francisco was forced to default on his right field loan before the Phils repossessed the gig.Except the season hasnt even started yet, and it seems like Manuel and the Phils fancy the idea of running Pierre out to left field quite a bit to begin the year. The 34-year-old Pierre had a solid spring training, hitting .373 and scoring 11 runs. Mayberry, however, was less successful. He hit .203 with one home run, nine RBIs and 12 strikeouts.Because Mayberry struggled in spring training, that doesnt mean a whole lot to me because I think during the season there are going to be times when he struggles, Manuel said. I used to have to sit Jayson Werth. I used to have to sit Pat Burrell. Actually, you know, Jim Thome struggled in his career. Thats the part when you become a regular player, by getting through those slumps and those struggles and holding your own and keeping your head above water.Oh. Ok. So then Mayberry is your everyday left fielder after all, Charlie? Is that what you mean?That means that Mayberry might not be in our everyday lineup starting out, Manuel said with the kind of impressive pivot usually reserved for middle infielders trying to turn the double play. Hell have every chance in the world to become an everyday player. I look at an everyday player as 500 at-bats in the major leagues. Thats an everyday player.Oh. Ok. So then Mayberry isnt your everyday left fielder after all, Charlie? Is that what you mean?I think hes going to have a chance to become a regular player, Manuel said, switching back to his original position. Ruben Amaro and I talked about that at the end of the year. His numbers and how he played, I think hes earned the right to try to do that. But, at the same time, its up to him to hold that spot. Like, when he gets to play, when were in the gameour business, my businessis to win the game every day. If I had my choice, Id win 162 games. Seriously. I mean that. If youre going to be a regular player, its up to you to hold that job, to hold that position.Is anyone else confused?Maybe Manuel is having a hard time picking one guy or the other because its not an easy decision. Pierre posted a .433 on-base percentage during spring training, an attractive number for a team that has longed for a true leadoff hitter since before the Phillies ended the citys championship drought four years ago. Then again, Pierres career OBP is .345, which is only .007 points higher than Jimmy Rollins, a guy who has never been hailed as the quintessential top-of-the-order option. I met Pierre a long time ago when he first made the big leagues, Manuel said. As long as I can remember, Ive always had little guys who can hit singles and doubles, and I love speed. I had one guy in Double A who stole 106 bases for me, and before that he was just lost in a minor league camp. Had Omar Vizquel. Had Robbie Alomar. Had a lot of guys who you wouldnt consider very big. The type of player he is can be very good at times. He kind of ticks the other team off. Hes pesky and he brings energy and he gets a lot of hits. He moves the ball around the whole field.So Pierre is your guy, Charlie?I aint saying, Manuel said with a laugh.Ok, but can you at least tell us if Pierre will start on Thursday?Hes going to start a lot of games, Manuel said. Let me put it to you like that. Matter of fact, when the season starts, Im going to be playing quite a few guys. I want to see what our best team really is.I dont know. You have to wait and see. I aint sending no message about whos ahead of who.No kidding.E-mail John Gonzalez at jgonzalez@comcastsportsnet.com.