Charlie Manuel Declines to be Next Orioles Hitting Coach, Remains With Phillies Organization.

(Photo: Matt Rappa)

There has been recent speculation that former Phillies manager, Charlie Manuel, would become the next hitting coach for the Baltimore Orioles. However, news tweeted by Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun Wednesday evening put an end to the rumor.

Charlie Manuel has declined the Orioles offer to be their new hitting coach. The Orioles are scaling down list. Hope to have a hire by Jan 1

— Dan Connolly (@danconnollysun) December 18, 2014

Becoming a hitting coach would be a huge time commitment for Manuel, who turns 71 in January. Instead, he will head into Spring Training in Clearwater, Florida for his 11th season as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies organization, and his second year as senior advisor to general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.

Manuel will also work with Jeff Franceour this Spring, to try to "rekindle" his career.

Matt Rappa (@mattrappa) is a contributor to Philliedelphia.com.