Kapler Watch 2019 continues. Three days after the end of the Phillies 2019 season, the Phillies have yet to speak. Not about the manager, not about the front office, not about anything else. As owner John Middleton is reported to be deliberating how to move forward with the organization, there is still no word from Middleton or anyone else regarding the status of manager Gabe Kapler or others.
Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports that nothing is imminent:
I am not expecting any announcement or resolution to Phillies personnel matters today. The intrigue continues.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) October 2, 2019
Indeed "intrigue" is a good word choice to describe the situation.
Other teams have already fired their managers and all were known the last day of the season or earlier. Andy Green was dismissed on September 21. Clint Hurdle was fired by the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday, as was Brad Ausmus by the Los Angeles Angels. The Cubs and Joe Maddon made a joint announcement Sunday that his contract would end and he would pursue other opportunities.
Yet, the Phillies have not taken any action. What is behind that? Is there internal division about whether or not Kapler should be let go? Is Middleton looking beyond the manager to members of the front office such as Andy MacPhail or Matt Klentak?
Jayson Stark seems to wonder if that is the case:
I'm hearing buzz that it's now possible there won't be an announcement on the fate of Gabe Kapler until next week. Which I'm taking as a sign the #Phillies understand they have more to decide right now than just the fate of the manager. https://t.co/RoDs8eyWaq — Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) October 2, 2019
If they are there has been no public comment or leaked comment to a reporter to indicate that jobs are indeed safe.
The New York Mets are also rumored to be making changes, and there is no action there, either. There has been no announcement regarding manager Mickey Callaway. Callaway, who was hired before new general manager Brodie VanWagenan.
So the intrigue continues.
