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Phillies: Dave Dombrowski interested in front office job

By George Stockburger

ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 30: President of Baseball Operations for the Boston Red Sox Dave Dombrowski looks on during batting practice before a MLB game between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on August 30, 2019 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 30: President of Baseball Operations for the Boston Red Sox Dave Dombrowski looks on during batting practice before a MLB game between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on August 30, 2019 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Could a big time executive join the Phillies front office this offseason?

The Phillies continue to drag their feet when it comes to the future of manager Gabe Kapler and general manager Matt Klentak. As of 10 p.m. Wednesday night there has been no announcement and the team has gone dark as they debate the future of two very important pieces in the franchise.

Given the length of time that’s it’s taken without any major moves, there’s speculation that owner John Middleton is considering not just a change of manager, but also dramatic moves in the front office. That could include team president Andy MacPhail or Klentak, who handpicked Kapler two years ago.

A big sticking point is the three year contract extensions MacPhail and Klentak were both given prior to this season. It would be a major black eye on the organization for either of them to be fired this year. However, if a move is made there’s a well-respected executive interested in a role with the Phillies.

Jayson Stark of The Athletic reported on 97.5 The Fanatic Tuesday afternoon that former Red Sox and Tigers executive Dave Dombrowski is interested in joining the Phillies, but it wouldn’t be as an understudy to MacPhail or Klentak.

"“I know he has interest, I know he does”"

Stark added that Middleton has been “picking the brains” of people outside the organization, but he doesn’t think Middleton will “blow out” the front office.

John Town examined the possibility of Dombrowski coming to Philadelphia after he was fired from Boston one year after winning a World Series. He notes a Tom Verducci article in Sports Illustrated that highlights Dombrowski’s desire to win right now and avoid rebuilds.

That’s exactly where the Phillies are right now, and by bringing in an executive who has no emotional tie to the current crop of prospects, the Phillies would be in a position to add a big time pitcher at the expense of their top prospects.

Dombrowski led the Tigers to the World Series, won a World Series in Boston, and left the Marlins with a roster of players that won them a championship in 2003. He has a winning pedigree, something the Phillies haven’t had since Pat Gillick left as general manager.

We’ll see if the smoke clears at some point in Philadelphia, but if there is a shakeup in the front office, keep an eye on Dombrowski.

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