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Phillies ‘Focused’ on 3 Experienced Managerial Candidates

By Matt Rappa

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 24: Manager Dusty Baker #12 of the Washington Nationals talks with Bryce Harper #34 during the fourth inning of the game against the Minnesota Twins at Nationals Park on April 24, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 24: Manager Dusty Baker #12 of the Washington Nationals talks with Bryce Harper #34 during the fourth inning of the game against the Minnesota Twins at Nationals Park on April 24, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Either Baker, Showalter or Girardi are poised to become the next Phillies manager.

We were told that the Phillies’ managerial interview process could be quick. We just did not expect it to be this quick.

On Thursday, the Phillies began the second round of interviews of candidates to replace the recently dismissed Gabe Kapler.

The only three known candidates the club has interviewed thus far are Dusty Baker, Buck Showalter and Joe Girardi.

And it appears it is staying that way.

According to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury, while more candidates emerging is “possible,” the Phillies are “currently focused on just these three candidates.” MLB Network’s Jon Heyman adds, “Barring something unforeseen, [it] appears [the] Phillies will make one of these three accomplished men their next manager.”

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Baker began the second round on Thursday; currently serving as a special adviser to San Francisco Giants CEO Larry Baer, the 70-year-old stayed east for his second consecutive day of interviews with the Phillies, after meeting with them for the first time on Wednesday.

In talking to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark upon leaving Citizens Bank Park Thursday evening to head back west, Baker praised many current Phillies players from past and present.

Showalter is expected to meet again with Phillies officials on Friday, while Girardi is scheduled for Monday, according to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki.

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With Joe Maddon off the board, having signed a deal with the Los Angeles Angels, it appears the Phillies managerial candidate field is set.

So, if the Phillies’ managerial search is indeed down to three candidates, when might they announce their decision?

Typically, teams do not make major announcements in October, especially during MLB’s biggest stage in the World Series.

However, the Inquirer’s Scott Lauber notes that next Thursday’s off-day, between games 2 and 3 of the Fall Classic, would be a “good time to announce a managerial hiring” if they come to a final decision next week.

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