Pete Mackanin is a good baseball man, a good solider, a straight-shooter, maybe too straight for MLB front offices, but the 64-year old, in his third tenure as an interim manager, has started opening eyes as a possible full-time replacement for Ryne Sandberg.
By far the worst team in baseball in the first half, Mackanin has the Phils 8-1 since the All- Star break, which included a three-game sweep of the contending Cubs and three out of four at home against division rival Atlanta. The emergence of Mikael Franco, Cesar Hernandez, and Rule 5 selection, Odubel Herrea, have to be points in Petey's favor.
Even Domonic Brown's recent stretch has him playing his best ball since the first half of 2013. This 105-game sample size will be the longest of his three interim tenures since managing 80 games for the Cincinnati Reds in 2007, going a respectable 41-39, but still replaced at year's end by Dusty Baker.
Mackanin doesn't have the quirky personality of Joe Maddon, or the law degree of Tony LaRussa, and will never be mistaken for a fiery Lou Pinella, Pete is well, just Pete. A guy with nearly 20-years of coaching under his belt that understands his place, puts his head down and does his job, no matter the role.
Mackanin understands the business side of the game. When his contract was not renewed following the 2012 season, Mackanin went on his merry way, waiting for his next opportunity. And when Philadelphia offered him the 3rd base coaching vacancy under Sandberg, he gladly accepted.
Mackanin's hopes may not have anything to do with the team's results over the last 76 games. Andy McPahil takes over as President in October and Ruben Amaro's fate is first on his to-do list. A new GM would most certainly bring a new manager and entire new coaching staff. Mackanin will once again be looking for work.
And has he has done since 1997, Pete Mackanin will gracefully exit stage left, but not without a very impressive stay as Phils interim manager.
