Wednesday was an eventful day for the Phillies managerial search. First, we learned that candidates Chip Hale and Phil Nevin were ruled out of the managerial search. Then, a published report said that the Phillies were "zeroing in" on hiring Dusty Wathan as their next manager. However, it appears the Phillies are not finished interviewing.
Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports that not only are the Phillies still talking to candidates, but one of them is a big name, none other than former Red Sox manager John Farrell:
Phillies still interviewing managerial candidates. Former Red Sox manager John Farrell is the latest to meet with them.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) October 25, 2017
Farrell won a World Series ring and three American League East pennants in his five years as Red Sox manager.
Farrell is due to earn his full salary with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. Any team bringing him on board would essentially have him working for free, since the money he earns as a manager somewhere else would cancel out a financial obligation. Thus, Farrell may not even wish to manage unless there is a long-term commitment.
If the Phillies hire a veteran such as Farrell, a younger prospective manager such as Wathan could serve as his bench coach and be groomed to take the reigns next.
Should Farrell manage, it would be interesting to see if he keeps some of his coaching staff. Red Sox pitching coach Carl Willis is still under contract with the Red Sox, but was allowed to interview for the Minnesota Twins pitching coach vacancy. Farrell's bench coach, Gary DiSarcina, was viewed as a possible candidate for the Phillies job and is considered a managerial prospect.
Whatever the Phillies do, it is unlikely they will name a manager before the end of the World Series, as that is discouraged by Major League Baseball.
