By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly Editor 
The Philadelphia Phillies parted ways with hitting coach Steve Henderson at the beginning of October and they have found a replacement within the organization in current broadcaster, Matt Stairs. On Wednesday afternoon, the Phils officially announce the hiring of Stairs as their new hitting coach for 2017.
Phillies announce that Matt Stairs is the team’s new hitting coach.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) November 2, 2016
Our very own Tim Kelly predicted the move of Stairs to hitting coach back on October 2.
Stairs, 43, played 19 seasons in the majors, compiling a .262 average to go along with 265 homers and 899 RBIs. He played in part of two seasons with the Phillies in 2008 and 2009, hitting seven homers and 22 RBIs in 115 games primarily as a pinch-hitter. His most memorable at-bat was during the 2008 NLCS, hitting the go-ahead two-run homer in game four against Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton.
Over the past three seasons, Stairs was one of the primary color commentators on the Phillies broadcast alongside Tom McCarthy. At this point there is not really an indication as to whether or not he'll be replaced or if Ben Davis and Mike Schmidt will get increased roles.
The Phillies have had their troubles offensively over the past few years, ranking 29th in baseball last season with a .240 average while also being in the bottom of the league in home runs with 161. Philadelphia hit a combined .249 in 2015 and and .242 in 2014. In 2016, the Phillies were last in the league in runs scored with 610, which was 39 less than the 29th ranked Atlanta Braves.
