Phillies: Five names to watch for a new manager
Pete Mackanin has been fired; who will the Phillies replace him with?
Friday afternoon hours before the Phillies began their final series of the 2017 season the club announced manager Pete Mackanin would not return as manager.
The move came as a slight surprise as the front office voiced confidence in the 66-year-old manager, who’s navigated the team through choppy waters.
With two bust managers (Ryne Sandberg and Mackanin) coming through the organization since Charlie Manuel was fired, the team needs to find the voice that will lead the next gerneration of stars.
Here are five names to keep an eye on in the managerial search this offseason.
Dusty Wathan – Lehigh Valley Manager
When you think of leading hte next gernareion of Phillies stars the name that comes to mind is Dusty Wathan, the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs amanagersr.
Wathan had an opportunity to sit in the major league dugout over the past two years and watch Mackanin and Larry Bowa handle the team. He’s worked with players such as Rhys Hoskins , Nick Williams, and J.P. Crawford in Lehigh Valley,a nd knows them better than anyone.
It’s an easy name to mention, and the front office surely will give him an interview.
Juan Samuel – Third base coach
Juan “Sammy” Samuel has been on the Phillies coaching staff for the past couple of seasons working both first and third base. He’s also spent extended time coaching the young fielders, including Odubel Herrera.
Having a strong voice like Samuel working with young players is a big plus. Being bilingual helps as well when working with Herrera, Freddy Galvis, and others who will rise through the ranks.
He’s a Phillies legend who nearly got the job when Sandberg abruptly resigned in 2015. He’ll get an interview with the front office and could be a finalist.
Raul Ibanez – Former Player
A fan favorite from the 2009 National League championship squad Raul Ibanez was the runner-up in the Tampa Bay Rays manager search a couple of years ago. Ibanez is a somewhat younger voice for a young team, although he was gone before Galvis and Hernandez arrived.
Ibanez recently put his Philadelphia-area house on the market and has a young family. He’s certainly looking to settle down and find a job, whether it’s in the media or the dugout.
Ron Washington – Former Rangers manager
With a murky personal history Ron Washington has emerged from the ashes after taking the Texas Rangers to the World Series only a couple of years ago. With transgressions and drug use in the past Washington is a strong voice and a leader that this team needs.
It’s a good change of pace after Mackanin, who let players such as Maikel Franco and Herrera take slight advantage of him. Washington won’t let that happen.
Jimmy Rollins – Franchise hits leader
It’s a longshot, but Rollins is all but retired after taking a media job this past year. Whether Rollins is ready to jump back into the dugout is yet to be seen, but he still loves the area and is loved by fans.
He’s played with some of the guys on this team, and can be a voice that leads men. He’s done it before and he could do it again.