Not many answers came out of Matt Klentak’s press conference when he fired Phillies manager Pete Mackanin
During Friday’s afternoon press conference to discuss the firing of manager Pete Mackanin, general manager Matt Klentak avoided specifics when asked why Pete Mackanin won’t be back for a third season as manager.
Klentak was asked numerous different times, by various reporters. However, he answered those questions with the generic answer – “We just need a new voice.”
“In my mind, we’ve reached a turning point in this rebuild.”
We may never know the real reasons why Klentak decided to pull the plug today, instead of Sunday.
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Klentak said that the Phillies need a new managerial style. However, he declined to specify when kind of style he was looking for in his new manager, whoever that may be.
Also, the managerial search will be both internal and external, with the front office finding candidates in the organization and out of the organization.
During the press conference, Mackanin said “I don’t care what his reason is. It’s his reason”.
Aaron Altherr said in a press conference in the Phillies clubhouse he was “surprised” and thought he’d be back next season with getting a contract extension.
Nick Williams said he was in his hot tub when he was notified of the firing by his fiance. He said he was shocked by the decision.
Many are questioning Klentak’s true intentions when it came to the timing of Mackanin’s firing. However, he likes him enough to keep him around as his special assistant.
Based on interviews, the Phillies players themselves are quite surprised by the move – although many saw it coming.
Next: 5 managerial candidates to replace Pete Mackanin
Klentak stayed to the basic answers when questioned by multiple reporters regarding the firing of their manager. It might be that the Phillies executives aren’t ready to discuss the inside scope of it publicly.