The Phillies will have a new look in 2018. On Friday, a few days after Phillies manager Pete Mackanin expressed publicly doubts that he would remain as the Phillies manager, the club announced a move. Mackanin will not remain as Phillies manager, but instead will work in the front office.
A press release from the Phillies reads:
The Phillies will not retain Pete Mackanin as manager following the 2017 season, Vice President & General Manager Matt Klentak announced today. Mackanin will remain as manager through the season's final three games and has agreed to a contract extension to serve as Special Assistant to the General Manager for 2018 and beyond.
The move creates many questions with few answers given just yet.
The move also puts the status of the coaching staff in doubt. The major league coaching staff isfilled with former Phillies players. Mickey Morandini, Matt Stairs, Rick Kranitz, and John McLaren all joined the coaching staff after Mackanin was named manager.
Holdovers from Ryne Sandberg's staff include pitching coach Bob McClure, bench coach Larry Bowa, and third base coach Juan Samuel.
Of those named, Bowa likely would be offered a lifetime role in the organization, such as those held by Charlie Manuel and Dallas Green in recent years. Bowa was also previously offered a chance to be a broadcaster for the Phillies, but declined to remain coaching. The radio booth has room for some help with the reduced role of Larry Andersen.
More info to come.
