That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington (38) and Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker (12) talk following their game, Sunday, June 30, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers defeated the Reds, 3-2. (Ron Jenkins/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington (38) and Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker (12) talk following their game, Sunday, June 30, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers defeated the Reds, 3-2. (Ron Jenkins/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) /

Ron Washington

Ron Washington was my pick to be the Phillies manager before Kapler was hired in 2017. One of the best coaches in the game, Washington has a history of connecting with players and bringing the best out of the young stars.

Washington managed the Texas Rangers to back-to-back World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011, though his teams never got the job done. In the midst of a 53-87 season in 2014, Washington abruptly resigned as the Rangers manager after admitting to having an extramarital affair. He also came under fire for admitting to using cocaine as a coach and amphetamines as a player.

Washington stood up and admitted his mistakes, something he should be commended for.

Since leaving the Rangers, Washington has been a very successful coach with Oakland and Atlanta, helping to develop their young infielders.

Washington should get a look from most of the teams looking for managers, especially with the Braves early playoff exit.

Dusty Baker

Bryce Harper’s former manager in Washington Dusty Baker is getting attention for some manager openings, most notably with the Mets. A three-time Manager of the Year winner, Baker has led the Giants, Cubs, Nationals, and Reds to a combined 10 90-win seasons in his 22 years as a big league manager.

Baker would certainly be an “old school” hire by the Phillies, but he has the resume they want in their next manager. Not only has he been around the block as a manager, but he was a big league player for 19 years.

Now 70-years-old, Baker will likely be looking for his last manager job. He was very successful in the regular season with the Nationals, leading them to two-straight seasons with at least 95 wins, but the Nats didn’t see the playoff results they wanted.

We’ll see if Baker is ready to adopt some of the analytics Philadelphia’s front office will push out, but regardless he should be a candidate.

Home/Phillies Rumors