Five younger candidates for the Phillies manager job
By John Town
Jorge Velandia
Jorge Velandia is another former utility man on this list, playing second, third, and shortstop over eight seasons in the majors with six different teams. While the experience helps, it’s what Velandia has done in the Phillies front office that makes him a possible candidate.
Velandia has worked in the front office as part of the player development team for many Latin American players. He is the general manager of La Guiara in the Venezuelan Winter League and has served as a talent evaluator.
If Velandia does become the manager, he would help Philadelphia’s – and the rest of the league’s, for that matter – growing number of Latin America players adjust to the majors, especially if they are still in the process of learning English. The team has stressed the importance of these players getting acclimated to life here, and Velandia would help accomplish that goal.