Pete Mackanin’s candidacy is gaining Donald Trump-like traction over the past few weeks. With the infusion of the young guys such as Nola, Sweeney, and Altherr and Pete’s straight-forward approach, the locker room has responded and the team has been much more competitive in the post Sandberg apocalypse.
But with new GM’s, new managers are usually part of the deal. So here are some guys that could be will making the trek from the top step to the mound quite often in 2016 at Citizens Bank Park.
Ron Garndenhire – This was a name mentioned almost immediately after Andy McPhail was hired. They had a long-time connection in Minnesota, when he replaced the legendary Tom Kelly in the Twin Cities. In his unprecedented, 13 seasons managing the Twins, he won better than 90 games, five times. He will be 58 by next spring and doesn’t seem to fit the rebuilding mold of the Phillies, who can just as easily keep the 64-year old MacKanin for another year at a fraction of Gardenhire’s cost.
Bud Black – Black was dispatched by the under achieving Padres mid-season. He spent eight-plus years in San Diego and forced to work under some very stingy circumstances for all, but his last half-season. GM AJ Preller was the most aggressive executive this past off-season, acquiring Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, James Shields, among others. The star-power failed to mesh and Black to the fall. Regardless, Black never won a division crown and finished second just once in his stint.
Mike Scioscia – Born in Delaware County, the long-time Angels skipper could return home to and manage the team he grew up rooting for. It would be difficult to leave a perennial contender, but the Angels have come up short quite often, even with their high-priced talent in Albert Pujols, CJ Wilson, and Jerad Weaver, as well as having the game’s best player in Mike Trout. Scioscia won the power struggle in Anaheim, forcing the resignation of GM Jerry DiPoto, so he is not expect to bail on them after that. And why would he? Three-year and $18 million left on his current contract will is also another good reason to stay on the left coast.
Juan Samuel – Sammy has been a good organizational egg. He has coached third, first, and the OF’s. He is a big-hit with the Latin-American players and a fan favorite. Samuel has just 51 games of managerial experience in the show, going 17-34 as interim manager of the Orioles in 2010. I believe the Phillies really value him as part of the organization and will give him an interview, but will not be McPhail’s choice in the end.
Mickey Morandini – Morandini is a beloved by the organization and the fanbase. He has a steady climb through the ranks and was even a finalist to replace Jamie Moyer in the broadcast booth. Currently a Triple A, Morandini could be a dark horse candidate. The biggest thing against him is that he does not have any history with McPhail. I could see him as a member of the coaching staff sometime in the very near future.
Pete Mackanin – As stated at the top, Mackanin’s candidacy has grown legs with every passing day. The young players have really taken to him and the few veterans that are left respect his openness. 2016 will continue to be less about wins and losses and more about player development. At age 64, Pete will not be the man to lead them to their next pennant chase, but he can certainly nurture the young players along and be a very good value to them for the next year or two.
