There will be a circus along with a ballgame tonight at Citizens Bank Park. It's the return of Charlie Manuel and Cole Hamels, with Aaron Nola pitching against the Cubs.
Manuel comes back as the new Phillies hitting coach . Owner John Middleton is behind the move. The press conference yesterday, with GM Matt Klentek and Manager Gabe Kapler, was fascinating. Klentek looked pissed and Kapler seemed resigned to the fact his days are numbered in Philadelphia.
Tonight starts the wonderous spectacle of seeing Charley back in the dugout, standing with the lame duck inept Kapler.
Already the chants of "We want Charley!" are echoing in the ballpark. Just wait til tonight, when Charley is actually in attendance.
Would Charley, at age 75, accept the job as manager again if it is offered by Phillies management after the season?
The Phils won last night, despite striking out 15 times. They are now tied with the Mets, 9 games out of 1st place and 2 games out of the final wild card spot.
If Charley isn't the new manager after the season, why not Charley as new President after Andy MacPhail steps down? Larry Bowa would make a great GM; Mitch Williams could be the new pitching coach. Raul Ibanez would be an interesting new manager, with Chase Utley and Jimmy Pollins as coaches and assistants.
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