A report yesterday suggested that J.J. Picollo, currently assistant general manager of the Kansas City Royals, might be the Phillies favorite. But, a report refuted that report, at the same time suggesting that the Phillies might be close to naming a new general manager. There also may be a favorite target of Phillies partial-owner John Middleton.
Jerry Crasnick reported a few developments:
A person familiar with #Phillies search disputed a report that #Royals assistant GM JJ Picollo is the frontrunner for job.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) October 19, 2015
The #Phillies are planning to decide on their GM hire by start of organizational meetings early next week, says a BB source.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) October 19, 2015
Hearing John Middleton's favored choice is Ben Cherington. But Cherington has indicated he doesn't want to dive back into GM job.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) October 19, 2015
Should the Phillies make the hire in that timeline, it would seem to preclude Picollo, whose team would still be in the playoffs.
Cherington served as general manager of the Boston Red Sox from the departure of Theo Epstein through the end of the 2015 season. The Red Sox brought on Dave Dombrowski to be team president of baseball operations (in the manner that the Phillies hired MacPhail) and Cherington chose to depart, knowing that he would lose some decision-making power. Cherington may not wish for more of that in Philadelphia.
Cherington put together the 2013 World Series Red Sox team, but failed to make the playoffs in 2014 and 2015. Cherington was criticized for holding on to too many prospects and for failing to add an ace pitcher to the young Red Sox rotation. Yesterday, there were reports that the Phillies interviewed an unknown name, so Cherington may be it.
