The Phillies will welcome back some familiar faces this Spring Training. Regular instructors Mike Schmidt, Roy Halladay, Dave Hollins, and Greg Luzinski are set to return, as well as a couple new faces in camp. One of the "new" instructors will be World Series champion manager Charlie Manuel.
CSN Philly's Jim Salisbury reports that after a one-year absence, Manuel will return:
Manuel, who managed the Phillies for 8½ seasons, winning a World Series in 2008, will join Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt as a hitting instructor in camp.
Joining Manuel as first-time guest instructors will be Aaron Rowand and Dan Plesac. Rowand was a stellar defensive outfielder during his playing days. The Phillies are deep in lefty relievers so Plesac, a former lefty reliever himself, could be valuable in the role.
Manuel stayed away from Spring Training in 2014, since he wanted to give new manager Ryne Sandberg space.
Salisbury also reported that former Phillies outfielder Raul Ibañez was also offered an opportunity to be a Spring Training instructor. Ibañez was in the running to be the Tampa Bay Rays' manager before pulling out of consideration. Ibañez also declined to interview for a hitting coach position with the Baltimore Orioles.
According to Salisbury, Darren Daulton may make an appearance, depending on his availability.
