Why Phillies Fans Should Be Excited About Gabe Kapler
The Philadelphia Phillies announced that Gabe Kapler would be their next manager in late October.
Many Phillies fans did not know what to think about the signing of Gabe Kapler to be their next manager. Some made “Welcome Back Kotter” jokes while others criticized hiring an inexperienced manager in a big market. Most knew very little about the Phillies 54th manager. After evaluating Kapler and where the team is now, Phillies fans have reason to be excited about their new manager.
The Phillies have a plethora of young talent. Some of these young players have struggled including Maikel Franco and some will struggle as they develop. Kapler’s player development background, strong preparation skills, strategy, and passion and leadership should make him a great fit for this team.
Player Development
Kapler has been able to connect with people throughout his career. He has long been known as a leader in the clubhouse. As a manager his communication skills, especially with young players, is essential. The best managers develop individual relationships with each of their players. They know when to push and when to let things play out. They understand how to motivate each player to bring the best out in them. Indications are Kapler has those people skills.
Kapler served as director of player development for the Dodgers. This experience will help him evaluate talent. This will give him the tools to evaluate whether a prospect is the real deal or fools gold. He should be able to help struggling prospects and young players like a Maikel Franco. He will be better enabled to make hard decisions about young players. It will help him decide whether to give a young player more playing time or move on. A manager with this skill set is invaluable. It can make the difference between rebuilding quickly or investing too much time on the wrong players.
Throughout Kapler’s career he has been known for his strong work ethic. Many young players have the natural tools to succeed but lack the work ethic needed to develop those tools. Kapler will expect his players to work hard and will create a culture of success built around a strong work ethic.
Preparation
Winning teams spend a lot of time preparing to be successful. Gabe Kapler is known as a guy that believes in preparation. Stories from his stint as a minor league manager in 2007 speak of a manager that believed in preparing and playing with a purpose. He was known as a leader that expected his team to spend extra time working to ensure they were ready for each game. Combine preparation and work ethic and the Phillies should see a better level of play between the lines.
It will be interesting to see how Kapler organizes a Spring Training. When the Phillies head to Clearwater in February, all eyes will be on how Kapler organizes his camp and prepares his team for the upcoming season. Expect to see a much more organized Spring camp then the Phillies have had in recent seasons.
Strategy
The Philadelphia Phillies have not had an excellent tactical manager in more years than most fans can remember. Kapler is known as a progressive thinker which, mixed with his belief in preparation, could make him more of a strategic manager then Philadelphia has seen in quite some time.
Kapler may not have the strategic mind of a Billy Martin, Tony LaRussa, or Jim Leyland, but he has the raw tools to develop into that type of manager. He stated in the press conference announcing him as manager that “we’re not going to leave any stone unturned to find our competitive advantages.” The on field decisions made by a manager can make the difference of 5 to 10 wins per season. If Kaplan turns into that kind of manager, he could be a long-term solution that sustains winning in the City of Brotherly Love.
Passion and leadership
Kapler is passionate and a natural leader. This was evident in his first press conference. He showed a deep passion for the game and for winning. He walked into the room with a presence and appeared more like a seasoned veteran than a guy making his first public appearance as a major league manager. Passion and leadership like that are key ingredients for a winner.
Kapler’s biggest concern for the Phillies is that he may be too tough on his players. In today’s environment players respond more to players managers than old school fire and brimstone managers. There is a reason why Charlie Manual has a ring and Larry Bowa couldn’t win one when he was the Phillies manager. Kapler will at times need to curb his enthusiasm and use his ability to connect with individual players to keep his team motivated and playing for him.
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Phillies fans should be excited about Gabe Kapler’s tenure as manager. Kapler has the skills to connect with people, player development skills, preparation and work ethic, strategy, and leadership abilities. With these tools , Kapler should be successful as the Phillies next manager.