Victorino focused on season, not free agency

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CLEARWATER, Fla.Cole Hamels isnt the only notable Phillie who could be a free agent at the end of the season.

Shane Victorino could reach that status in November.

He reported to camp on Tuesday and, like Hamels the day before, said all the right things about his impending free agency.

Im just going to stay focused on the season and not worry about that stuff, Victorino said. Im grateful for the opportunities Ive had here and hope to have in the future. There will be a lot of speculation on what will happen with me and Cole and a lot of the free-agent guys, but first and foremost we need to focus on right now and what we have to do in 2012, and thats winning a World Series. Id love to win another World Series. Thats more important than anything else.

Victorino, 31, is in the final year of a three-year, 22 million contract that pays him 9.5 million. He said there have been no discussions on a new deal with the Phillies.

Im just worried about spring training, he said. Well figure it out.

Victorino joined the Phillies as a Rule 5 pick in 2005 and became a key member of the club a year later. He has been a fixture in centerfield since the World Series championship year of 2008 and has made two All-Star teams and won three Gold Gloves. He is also a fan favorite.

Theres no reason why I want to go anywhere else, Victorino said. I love the place. I love playing here. But again Im focused on playing and not whats in store with free agency. My goal is to play and go win a championship -- thats first and foremost.

E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com

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