The Phillies have to hire a manager, a hitting coach, and a pitching coach. However, there is another major hole to fill in the organization: Scouting Director. That position was held by Johnny Almaraz, who stepped down from the post, citing family issues. One name is emerging, and he has local ties: former Phillies farm hand Mike Koplove.
Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports that the Phillies are looking inside and outside for their next scouting director:
According to multiple major league sources, the Phillies have conducted a number of recent interviews for the position. Among those to interview are in-house candidates Greg Schilz, Mike Koplove and Darrell Conner.
Outside candidates, according to sources, include David Crowson of the Miami Marlins, Sam Hughes of the Chicago Cubs, Brian Barber of the New York Yankees, Dan Ontiveros of the Kansas City Royals and Scott Meaney of the Cleveland Indians. All have high-ranking scouting positions with their organizations.
Koplove has long had ties to the area and the organization.
A native of Philadelphia, Koplove attended Chestnut Hill Academy. He was then drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 29th round of the 1998 Draft. Koplove had some success in the major leagues with the Diamondbacks and played the 2007 with the Cleveland Indians, his toughest major league season.
Koplove signed a minor league deal with the Phillies in 2009 and appeared in Spring Training. Koplove did not make the big club and reported to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Koplove played there through June and then exercised an opt-out in his contract. He did not make another major league appearance again.
Koplove finished his playing career with the Camden Riversharks in 2011. Koplove re-joined the Phillies in 2017 as a special assignment scout.
Mike Koplove's brother Kenny Koplove was also drafted by the Phillies, getting the call during the 17th round of the 2015 draft. Kenny Koplove was with the Phillies until mid-2017 and is currently a free agent.
