Gabe Kapler must prove he is a capable Major League manager
If the team with the most physically fit manager wins the World Series, then the Phillies are shoo-ins in 2018. Kapler looks like a strength and conditioning coach with his chiseled physique. As a player, Kapler most the most of his career as a 57th round pick. Playing parts of 12 seasons with six teams, he hit .268 with 82 home runs, 386 RBI and a .749 OPS. Having last worked in the majors as Director of Player Development for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kapler has no managerial experience. He has has overhauled the coaching staff and with an undeniably quirky approach, it will be paramount that the players buy into Kapler’s system.
Next: 2018 or bust for Maikel Franco
The Kapler signing could turn out to be genius or a complete disaster. Only time will tell.