Phillies Rumor: Buck Showalter’s Thoughts of Bryce Harper Could Rule Him Out
Phillies manager candidate Buck Showalter reportedly is not fond of star outfielder Bryce Harper.
The Phillies managerial search, which could end as early as this week, may have narrowed down even thinner than the three believed finalists in Dusty Baker, Joe Girardi and Buck Showalter.
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Girardi, who won the 2009 World Series against the Phillies as manager of the New York Yankees, is increasingly becoming the favorite the succeed the recently dismissed Gabe Kapler. Girardi met for the second time with the Phillies in Philadelphia on Monday, and, according to NBC Sports Chicago’s David Kaplan, is considered the “clear favorite.”
The two other candidates, Baker and Showalter, have been equally vetted by Phillies brass, with both sides also meeting for a second time this past Thursday and Friday, respectively.
While there are many pros, cons, and differences between each of the skippers, one rumored “con” pertaining to Showalter may significantly hurt his chances.
According to 6ABC’s Jamie Apody, a source close to Showalter says that the veteran skipper “hates” Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper.
I heard yesterday from a source close to Showalter that he HATES Bryce Harper. In which case, not sure why the #Phillies would go that route unless Buck didn’t let them in on his disdane. https://t.co/ZtDXJdkhiy
— Jamie Apody (@JamieApody) October 21, 2019
If true, any disdain toward a franchise player, who still has more than $300 million and 12 years remaining on his multi-year contract, simply would hurt morale and team chemistry.
Apody agrees, adding, “[I’m] not sure why the Phillies would go that [Showalter] route unless Buck didn’t let them in on his disdane.”
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Back in March 2016 while at the helm of the Baltimore Orioles, Showalter praised Harper to NBC Sports Washington, saying he “plays his [butt] off” and he’s “glad he’s not” in his then-American League.
Feelings portrayed to the media certainly can vary from one how truly feels. And, if the rumor is true, it could be possible the rift formed some time between the 2016 and 2019 seasons.
Yet, with Girardi reportedly considered the favorite for the Phillies managerial position, any rumored rift manager candidate Showalter has toward Harper could be a moot point.