When the Phillies announced the hiring of Rick Kranitz and John McLaren, there were some question marks remaining. The Phillies said that they offered contracts to Larry Bowa and to Juan Samuel to return. However, they were undecided as of that moment. The two popular former Phillies will officially now return.
The Phillies own Twitter account relayed the news:
Larry Bowa and Juan Samuel have each agreed to contracts with the #Phillies for the 2016 season.
— Phillies (@Phillies) October 27, 2015
The move mostly completes the Phillies 2016 coaching staff.
This means the Phillies 2016 coaching staff is as follows:
Juan Samuel – third base coach
Larry Bowa – bench coach?
Bob McClure – pitching coach
Steve Henderson – hitting coach
John McLaren – catching coach
Rick Kranitz – bullpen coach
Bob Stumpo – bullpen catcher
Jesus Tiamo – bullpen catcher
The first base coach position remains.
Currently Jorge Velandia is listed as an "assistant coach", having helped the Phillies after Pete Mackanin moved from third base coach to manager.
The move also likely means that Bowa will not be named the Marlins manager. Since Don Mattingly became available, he appears to be the Marlins' top choice. Since Mattingly interviewed just yesterday, perhaps there is some traction there.
