Gabe Kapler’s influence on the Phillies coaching staff continues to grow
Pedro Guerrero has been hired by the Phillies as their assistant hitting coach according to the team’s Twitter account.
Just 28 years old Guerrero had been in the Dodgers organization since the age of 17 as an infield prospect, but never made it past Advanced-A in the minors. His best season came when he was 18-years-old in rookie ball back in 2007.
Retiring from professional baseball at 24 years old Guerrero has turned to coaching, following in the footsteps of his uncle Manny Acta, who previously managed the Washington Nationals and Cleveland Indians.
Most recently Guerrero was working in the Dodgers organization as a minor league hitting coach. Phillies manager Gabe Kapler has an extensive knowledge of the Dodgers farm system having been their director of player development, making Guerrero’s hiring a clear match.
Guerrero will work alongside new hitting coach John Mallee, who previously held the same title with the Chicago Cubs under Joe Maddon and is 20 years Guerrero’s elder. Having a younger voice on the coaching staff for a team with the youngest roster in baseball should be a trusted voice among players.
Kapler still has yet to name a pitching coach or a bench coach to his staff, although Rick Kranitz was retained by the organization after serving as the bullpen coach. Jim Gott will replace Kranitz as the bullpen coach, making it likely Kranitz moves up as the pitching coach.
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As for Kapler’s bench coach there has been speculation that Chase Utley could be an option if he decides to retire this offseason. We highlighted why Utley makes sense as a coach for a young Phillies team earlier this month.