That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies: 14 candidates to replace manager Gabe Kapler

By George Stockburger

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 01: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Managers John Farrell #53 of the Boston Red Sox and Joe Girardi #28 of the New York Yankees shake hands during Opening Day ceremonies at Yankee Stadium on April 1, 2013 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 8-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 01: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Managers John Farrell #53 of the Boston Red Sox and Joe Girardi #28 of the New York Yankees shake hands during Opening Day ceremonies at Yankee Stadium on April 1, 2013 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 8-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – AUGUST 05: Gabe Kapler #19 of the Philadelphia Phillies sits in the dugout during the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on August 05, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

Who should the Phillies consider for their open manager position?

The Phillies are officially searching for their fifth manager since Charlie Manuel was fired in 2013. Neither Ryne Sandberg, Pete Mackanin, nor Gabe Kapler lasted more than two full seasons as the Phillies manager, a major dent in the franchise’s legacy and the recent rebuild.

With Kapler the Phillies hoped to find their own Aaron Boone, Alex Cora, Kevin Cash, and A.J. Hinch, all former players having success in their first run as a major league manager. For whatever reason, be it a lack of clubhouse control, analytics, connection to the fanbase, or feel for the game, Kapler did not succeed the way the other four young managers did.

As we see often in the world, not just in baseball, when an organization or country gets tired of one way of leadership, they go in the complete opposite direction. Philadelphia’s search for a new manager will be no different. Look for the search, led by general manager Matt Klentak, to focus on experienced baseball men with prior managerial experience, a stronger grasp on the clubhouse, and at least some appreciation for analytics.

The last time the Phillies interviewed candidates for their manager job, here were a couple of the names who came up: John Farrell, Chip Hale, Manny Acta, Juan Samuel, Jorge Velandia, Phil Nevin, and Dusty Wathan.

Here are a couple of names who deserve mention, but either won’t get serious consideration for one reason or another or won’t be interested.

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