With less than two months remaining in his contract - and three months before WIP's signature Wing Bowl - there's nervous buzz around the sports-talk station that a new deal is not at hand between CBS Radio and its 20-year veteran.

Contacted Friday, Cataldi confirmed that talks had been "more difficult than in the past," but did not disclose sticking points. His agent, Steve Mountain, declined to comment. Station manager Marc Rayfield did not return a message.

The economy has been playing a role in all TV and radio contracts, and broadcasters seem eager to get big salaries off their books - even when the big salaries draw ads and cinch partnerships. Cataldi, who makes well over $1 million, is WIP's franchise player.

Asked what else he would do, Cataldi replied: "How would I know? I'm under contract."

The October Arbitron ratings, released Wednesday, found Cataldi and crew just behind WMMR's Preston & Steve among WIP's target of men ages 25 to 54. Though the Phillies inflated sports-talk ratings, the station and the morning show had been on an upturn all year and had their highest ratings in memory last month.