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Phillies hire Charlie Manuel to replace John Mallee as hitting coach

By George Stockburger

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 10: Manager Charlie Manuel #41 of the Philadelphia Phillies watches batting practice before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 10, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 10: Manager Charlie Manuel #41 of the Philadelphia Phillies watches batting practice before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 10, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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A major shakeup of the Phillies coaching staff includes a friendly face

The Phillies have fired hitting coach John Mallee and have replaced him with World Champion manager Charlie Manuel, according to Todd Zolecki.

Jim Salisbury of NBCS Philadelphia hinted at a major coaching change coming to the Phillies after a 2-5 west coast trip. With an off day on Monday, the front office and coaching staff likely had an opportunity to think over major changes.

The Phillies have only one more hit than the last-place Baltimore Orioles and the fifth-fewest home runs in baseball.

Manuel has served as a special assistant to general manager Matt Klentak, minor league instructor, and scout for the organization. Ruben Amaro Jr. fired the franchise’s all-time winningest manager during the 2013 season when the team was 53-67.

Manuel won 780 games while leading the Phillies to back-to-back National League pennants and five consecutive National League East titles.

Philadelphia has had three managers (Ryne Sandberg, Pete Mackanin, Gabe Kapler) since firing Manuel.

Mallee spent just a year and a half on Kapler’s staff as the hitting coach after working with the Chicago Cubs. He came under fire during the team’s recent slump, which saw them fall from first in the division to fourth behind the Mets.

Pressure continues to mount on Kapler, who is 140-140 through his first year and a half running the team. He has one year remaining on his three-year contract.

Going with Manuel is certainly an about-face to the organization’s analytical approach. Manuel is about as old-school of a coach as you can get, but he’s had great success in his career with the Phillies and Indians.

It’s Hittin’ Season.

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