I was surprised to hear tthis afternoon the Phillies manager Pete Mackanin won't be back as skipper in 2018. Instead he will join GM Matt Klentak as an assistant.
I'm not sure how I feel. Pete did the best with what he had. Klentak needs to take most of the blame for this failed season, with his botched trades and free agent signings.
I liked Pete's honesty. I didn't always agree with his moves, the way he handled his bullpen at times, how he choose not to discipline players who didn't always hustle ( Herrera and Franco). But Pete seemed to be a good communicator and the players liked him- maybe too much so?
How I'll feel about this move will hinge on who gets the new manager's nod. Will it be another vet,a father figure to the players, a stabilizing influence? Or will it be a younger guy, a more analytical manager, someone to co-exist with Klentak?
I think it will be the latter. If the front office wanted a veteran guy, why not keep Pete?
There had to be a reason more than "we need a fresh approach", as Pete had another year left on his contract.
I always thought if Mackanin got fired Lehigh Valley skipper Dusty Warthan would be hired. He's young (44) and farm-hand guy, and he managed most of the young core of players at Reading and Lehigh Valley.Writer Jim Salsbury says to watch ex-slugger Mark McGuire as a potential candidate for the position. McGuire has owned up to his use of drugs during his home run hitting days, and seems respected as a hitting coach in the league. He certainly could tutor a Rhys Hoskins.
Andy MacPhail loves older managers such as Buck Showalter or Ron Gardenhire. Who wins?
I agree this entire franchise needs a more positive attitude and approach. Instead of hoping to finish .500, think playoffs and beyond.
Much will depend on Klentak's moves this off-season. The team needs pitching, and Klentak said he intends to upgrade the staff, both starters and relievers, thru trades and free agency. Owner John Middleton needs to spend some of the money he's been hoarding for years.I don't really trust Klentak to make the moves necessary to improve the team. This is the same talent evaluator who failed to bring up the kids early in the spring and who had faith in washed-up vets like Michael Saunders and Clay Bucholtz
Klentak inherited Mackanin. Klentak wants his own guy. Now he has the chance to sink or swim His job may be the next one on the line.
Hopefully this is a sign that the organization is transitioning from rebuilding mode to competitive, contending status. I'm willing to give Klentak a shot. I don't trust him, but let's see what happens.
It's also a clear sign the coaches will be gone as well. The new guy will want to bring in his own staff.
Klentak promises to keep Philles president Andy MacPhail "In the loop." He better do more than that. I don't trust Klentak and he needs to lean on the experience of MacPhail.
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