In an expected move, the Phillies announced today that they have hired Rob Thomson to serve as the club’s new bench coach. He’ll be a key lieutenant to first-time manager Gabe Kapler.
Philadelphia has also announced the remainder of its staff, except for a first base coach — a position that has yet to be filled. Rick Kranitz will serve as pitching coach, with Chris Young as his assistant, while Jim Gott will run the bullpen. Hitting coach John Mallee will be assisted by Pedro Guerrero. And Dusty Wathan will serve as the third base coach.
The 54-year-old Thomson had been in the running for the Yankees’ open managerial post after serving as bench coach (and in other positions) under Joe Girardi. But after losing out on that gig to Aaron Boone, Thomson will now move down I-95 to lend some experience to a youthful new skipper as the Phils seek to take a young roster back into contention.
I thought it said Rob Thomas as in the guy from Matchbox 20.
That would be a Smooth move.
nice
He didn’t like for the Yankees to Push him around.
He was tired of being yelled at by Sinbad
I thought it was a distant relative of Mick Thomson from Slipknot.
The Yankees lost a really good coach. He had been with the team for 28 years and I’ve read a lot about how Thomson was the one who ran spring training and how really respected he was by the team. He would’ve been good to keep around to help Boone but I understand him not wanting to be around any longer after not being seriously considered for manager.
Agreed. Big loss for the Yankees.
He got an interview. That isn’t serious consideration?
He still is very respected and I’m sure there is someone they can find to do the little things he did.
He did a lot for the club and I hope he works out well for the Phillies.
I would’ve preferred them going outside the organization for a pitching coach,but other than that, I like this staff they put together. Now bring back Davey Lopes to be 1b coach!!
Bring back Rollins as 1B coach. Great base runner and can help with the young infielders.
Utley bench coach. Ruiz bullpen coach. Howard 3B coach and Werth as the OF specialist. Just bring them all back
Rollins, Utley and Ruiz as coaches honestly wouldn’t be the worse thing in the world
If he were a base coach, he would be at third.
Bring back Dave Hollins as a mental fitness coach.
My #1 choice for manager.
Rob Thompson:
Hired as third base coach Class A Fort Lauderdale 1990-1994
Managed Class A Oneonta in NY Penn League 1995
Third base coach at Triple-A Columbus 1996-1997
Field coordinator1998
Director of Player development 2000
VP of minor league development before 2003
Special Assignment Instructor 2004-2006
Major league field coordinator 2007
Yanks bench coach: 2008
Yanks third base coach: 2009-2014
Yanks bench coach: 2015-2017
54 years old.
Great get Phillies. True Yankee fans will miss him.
Should’ve been the Yankees choice!
Already do
He’ll be gone in a few years when management learns that there’s nothing more to Gabe than an unhealthy fixation on eating leafy greens.