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Phillies Fire Gabe Kapler

By Steve Adams | October 10, 2019 at 9:46am CDT

Changes are coming in Philadelphia. Gabe Kapler will not return as manager of the Phillies in 2020, the team announced on Thursday. His dismissal creates a nearly unprecedented eighth managerial vacancy around the Major Leagues.

Gabe Kapler | Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Phillies also confirmed previous reports that Chris Young won’t return as the pitching coach in 2020 and announced that interim hitting coach and franchise legend Charlie Manuel will return to his role as a senior advisor to the GM.

Not only will the Phillies be looking for a new manager, pitching coach and hitting coach — they’ll also be looking to revamp their training staff, as neither head athletic trainer Scott Sheridan nor assistant athletic trainer Chris Mudd will have his contract renewed for 2020, per the club. The rest of the coaching staff has been invited back for next season, although it’s certainly possible that the change atop the dugout hierarchy could lead to eventual changes down the pecking order.

Phillies owner John Middleton offered the following statement on Kapler, who had been under contract through next season:

Several years ago, I promised our loyal fans that I would do everything in my power to bring a world championship team to our city.  I will never waver from that commitment.  During the second half of this season and continuing into this week, I have evaluated our organization extensively, a process that included talking to many people both internally and around the league.  Reassuring to me was the endorsement that people outside the Phillies gave to the progress we have made recently, both organizationally and on the field.  Nevertheless, with the knowledge that I have gained from my evaluation, combined with my personal reflection on the 2019 season, I have decided that some changes are necessary to achieve our ultimate objective. Consequently, we will replace our manager. I am indebted to Gabe for the steadfast effort, energy and enthusiasm that he brought to our club, and we are unquestionably a better team and organization as a result of his contributions. With [general manager Matt Klentak] leading our search for our next manager, I am confident that we will find the right person to lead us.

The Phillies organization debated the decision at great length. The Inquirer’s Matt Breen reported earlier this week that Middleton had been seeking opinions from players and front office execs alike as he seemed to genuinely wrestle with whether to bring Kapler back for the final contract of his season. Ultimately, the organization will go in a new direction after a pair of disappointing playoff misses in Kapler’s first two seasons at the helm.

Of course, team record is hardly the be-all and end-all in determining the fate of a manager these days. Managerial changes are also linked to how one maintains order in the clubhouse, aligns with the organization’s vision for the future, oversees the a coaching staff and incorporates input from a club’s front office/analytics department into game flow. The team’s lackluster records in both 2018 and 2019 surely played a role in the eventual decision but were surely just a few of the innumerable factors Middleton weighed in making today’s announcement.

Kapler, 44, played in parts of a dozen Major League seasons and managed in the Red Sox’ minor league system before embarking on a player development trajectory with the Dodgers (where, notably, he worked with current Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi, who is also on the hunt for a new manager). Kapler spent three seasons as the Dodgers’ director of player development prior to being hired by the Phillies — a role in which he placed great emphasis on analytics, player nutrition and mental wellness.

During his time with the Dodgers, Kapler was viewed as a fast-rising managerial candidate, and although things didn’t pan out in Philadelphia, he’ll quite likely garner consideration from other clubs. It’s hardly uncommon for rookie managers to be dismissed from one club before finding success with another — as A.J. Hinch can attest — and MLB Network’s Jon Heyman tweets that Kapler would like to continue his managerial career.

Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer first broke the news of Kapler’s dismissal (via Twitter).

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Gabe Kapler Newsstand Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies Expected To Announce Decision On Gabe Kapler Today
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View Comments (185)
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Comments

  1. francys08

    2 years ago

    This is the right move. Kapler should remain in the organization but the Phillies need a manager with experience. I am surprised.

    4 Like
    Reply
    • keysox

      2 years ago

      Yap had to go

      Like
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      • Gary

        2 years ago

        You know, with all these firings, eight so far, where are all the qualified managers to replace them? Teams will only be hiring Gabe kaplers and Dave Roberts types to replace them … guys with no big league managing experience.

        Not sure the grass is greener with a new guy. Should have just kept the old guy and let them learn and grow on the job and have some consistency. I just don’t see the gain with a few of these moves.

        1 Like
        Reply
        • dugdog83

          2 years ago

          The tigers and angels will argue that with Ausmus

          3 Like
          Reply
        • Vandals Took The Handles

          2 years ago

          Eight managerial firings?

          Golly, I thought it was all about statistics and the players – that managers (and coaches) don’t really matter.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • MisterB_71

          2 years ago

          I can’t tell if you’re serious or not. “Where are all the qualified managers?” Without working at it all that hard, off the top of my head I can see Showalter, Girardi, Baker and Maddon taking a couple of those jobs and interviewing with more than one team. If Scioscia wanted to take another gig he’d be more than qualified and we’re not even talking about the guys with experience who always didn’t work in one place but could be just what is needed in a new place — Farrell, Gibbons, Matheny, Ausmus…

          There are plenty of candidates out there before we even start looking at the coaches with no experience as the top dog in a dugout.

          1 Like
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        • Frisco500

          2 years ago

          Vandals, not all 8 were fired. 2 WS winning managers retired. One of whom is a first ballot HOF’r.

          Like
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        • Disco Dave

          2 years ago

          asmus was a dombrowski casualty

          Like
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        • Emerich18

          2 years ago

          However how do you think people gain experience? By failing and learning. I am not opposed to them letting him go but even the great managers fail. Look at Madden? and some of the names they are mentioning. Experience does not mean successful

          1 Like
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        • Ejemp2006

          2 years ago

          Ausmus could have been a Dombrowski benefactor if Ausmus could coach even a little. Ausmus Tiger teams were stacked until he set a dumpster fire that forced them to start a rebuild.
          Ausmus won’t ever be good.

          Like
          Reply
        • Gary

          2 years ago

          Dusty Baker? Lol he’s done. There’s Madden and to a lesser degree Girardi and if he wants to manage again Bochy.

          Those are the three to go after. Other than that you’re hiring first-year guys all over again and you just fired your rookie hire. Running around in circles.

          Like
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        • Wrek305

          2 years ago

          Maddon wasn’t fired. His contract expired. That’s basically resigning from a position.. he was not fired. He was the only manager of the 8 that wasnt fired.

          Like
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        • Mendoza Line 215

          2 years ago

          Joe was not rehired,but said that he wanted to stay as manager of the Cubs.
          You are correct,he was not fired,but in essence,he was.
          He was also smart enough to know that he did not need the job and would quickly get a similar one.

          Like
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    • phillyvseverybody

      2 years ago

      I agree, no doubt he has tons of baseball knowledge. I can see him being director of player development like he did with the Dodgers. He just wasn’t cut out to be a skipper though.

      1 Like
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      • Woods Rider

        2 years ago

        He’d probably be awesome as a team’s strength and conditioning coach. The Phillies could use some help in that dept. as evidenced by their injury issues this season.

        Like
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    • Show Me Your Tatis

      2 years ago

      Were Alex Cora and AJ Hinch experienced managers when they were hired?

      Like
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      • Cat Mando

        2 years ago

        Show Me Your Tatis…….
        If you are asking about Hinch as the Astros manager, yes he had experience. 200+ games managing the D-Backs and even he admitted he was bad at it but learned from his mistakes.

        3 Like
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        • Show Me Your Tatis

          2 years ago

          Oof. Missed that one. Thanks Cat.

          Still, managers don’t need prior experience to succeed. If they did there would be no managers.

          1 Like
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        • Emerich18

          2 years ago

          EXACTLY!!!!! Thank you.

          Like
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      • Lou Orlando

        2 years ago

        Or Aaron Boone?

        Like
        Reply
    • todd76

      2 years ago

      I’m going to miss him. He helped the Braves win games with his choices.

      4 Like
      Reply
    • DonC.

      2 years ago

      Good move get him as far from here as possible!

      Like
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    • Lou Orlando

      2 years ago

      Hire Mark DeRosa to manage this team. Former U of Penn QB and a tough North Jersey guy. Always played the game well no matter what team he was on despite not having Mike Trout-like talent.

      Like
      Reply
  2. CrewBrew

    2 years ago

    LMAO that was fast. 2 minutes ago they were deciding on it…then boom.

    5 Like
    Reply
    • clepto

      2 years ago

      Comment of the Day!

      Like
      Reply
      • CrewBrew

        2 years ago

        oh here comes clepto to the chat. Abandon chat everyone

        Like
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        • sjma69

          2 years ago

          This will be one of the most interesting off seasons in years!

          1 Like
          Reply
  3. acarneglia

    2 years ago

    We went from a decision coming today, to Kapler being fired in less than 20 minutes.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • realgone2

      2 years ago

      Yeah I saw the post about the decision and then BAM! he was gone

      1 Like
      Reply
      • clepto

        2 years ago

        Gone. As in real gone.

        1 Like
        Reply
        • CrewBrew

          2 years ago

          LOL OMG NICE JOKE!

          1 Like
          Reply
        • realgone2

          2 years ago

          Ha. Nice!

          Like
          Reply
        • padreforlife

          2 years ago

          He gone

          1 Like
          Reply
  4. Badfinger

    2 years ago

    Dave Roberts should be next. It won’t happen but man is he awful. The Dodgers win a lot of games in spite of him.

    8 Like
    Reply
    • El Ruso

      2 years ago

      I bet he drives with his foot on the clutch.

      8 Like
      Reply
      • FullMontilla

        2 years ago

        LMAO! Nailed it on the head Ruso!!

        Like
        Reply
    • H3ads40T73

      2 years ago

      Tigers will trade you Gardenhire for Roberts.

      Like
      Reply
      • alproof

        2 years ago

        We Tigers fans don’t want Kapler. I know I don’t want Gardy back. Mets will be on the cheap, so let it be Alfonzo or Ventura.

        Like
        Reply
    • dimitrila

      2 years ago

      Not really sure that’s fair. I’m by no means a Roberts fan but perhaps you can say more about that makes him awful.

      Like
      Reply
      • DarkSide830

        2 years ago

        i think at this point it might be. no reason for that team to not make it out of the divisional round, especially after failing to close the deal the two years prior as well.

        1 Like
        Reply
  5. Gyrthion

    2 years ago

    Just wasn’t the right person to lead this team. Maybe Farhan Zaidi will bring his boy over to manage the Giants.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • snotrocket

      2 years ago

      Really hope not.

      Like
      Reply
    • Vince

      2 years ago

      Why?

      Like
      Reply
    • 22Leo

      2 years ago

      That was my speculation as well.

      Like
      Reply
  6. Baseballfreak

    2 years ago

    He may have just decided to quit to save the time!

    Like
    Reply
  7. lonestardodger

    2 years ago

    @Dodgers take notes pls

    1 Like
    Reply
  8. BeeVeeTee

    2 years ago

    At least the Phillies waited for the day after Yom Kippur to fire Kapler!

    6 Like
    Reply
    • youngTank15

      2 years ago

      I don’t think Kapler is religious.

      Like
      Reply
      • DarkSide830

        2 years ago

        he managed the Israeli National Team in the WBC. if not religiously, perhaps ethnically.

        4 Like
        Reply
    • jleve618

      2 years ago

      It was also Leif Erickson day. Ahinga dinga duergen.

      4 Like
      Reply
      • Bunselpower

        2 years ago

        That reminds me, I’m out of giant paper.

        Like
        Reply
    • phillyphan81

      2 years ago

      Guess he didn’t atone for his sins

      Like
      Reply
      • JonathanWB

        2 years ago

        No amount of atonement would have been enough for the Phillies. All the injuries weren’t his fault. Philly’s GM was not as good or lucky as NYY in plugging the holes.

        Like
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        • JonathanWB

          2 years ago

          Leo Durocher: “If you don’t win, you’re going to be fired. If you do win, you’ve only put off the day you’re going to be fired.”

          5 Like
          Reply
  9. Cat Mando

    2 years ago

    I hope Brookover is right

    Like
    Reply
  10. 13Morgs13

    2 years ago

    I’m sure Klentak will make the wrong decision on who replaces him. After all he hired him

    1 Like
    Reply
  11. batty

    2 years ago

    It was an odd hiring to begin with.

    3 Like
    Reply
  12. davengmusic

    2 years ago

    Phillies fans: who SHOULD get the job?

    Like
    Reply
    • coachdave2

      2 years ago

      Pete Rose
      Dallas Green

      Seriously who should get the job?

      Like
      Reply
      • Cat Mando

        2 years ago

        Hmmmmm? A pedo or a dead guy?
        I hope since Middleton is willing to pay players so well that he is open to pay an experienced manager good money as well.. As for who that may be I would like to see Girardi but I doubt they will get him.

        1 Like
        Reply
      • youngTank15

        2 years ago

        John Farrell or Dusty Baker.

        Like
        Reply
        • lippy10195

          2 years ago

          Please no

          1 Like
          Reply
        • gozurman1

          2 years ago

          I would not want Dusty Was not the greatest, especially in the post season the last few seasons. he managed. Would rather someone younger and more in tune with today’s game.

          Like
          Reply
        • Cat Mando

          2 years ago

          gozurman1….
          Dusty is a little less than 2 years older than Kapler (46 and 44). How much younger do you want to go?

          Like
          Reply
        • Chris the Great

          2 years ago

          Huh!!!
          Dusty was born in 1949….

          2 Like
          Reply
        • Cat Mando

          2 years ago

          Sorry….I had Dusty Wathan on the brain from the conversation below and didn’t realize someone had mentioned Baker. My bad.

          Like
          Reply
        • gozurman1

          2 years ago

          @Cat Mando- No problem.. Too many Dusty’s around now to keep em all straight. Wathan would be a much better Dusty choice the Baker these days. :)

          Like
          Reply
      • FullMontilla

        2 years ago

        Even in his current condition, Dallas Green could probably lead the Phillies to the same results or better than Kapler

        4 Like
        Reply
        • Georgiajeff

          2 years ago

          Now thats funny.

          Like
          Reply
        • Marc (Phillies Phan)

          2 years ago

          Yes. Very true.

          Like
          Reply
      • the kutch

        2 years ago

        Going to be Showalter…Book it…

        Like
        Reply
    • frank_costanza

      2 years ago

      It really doesn’t matter. Gabe wasn’t the problem.

      Like
      Reply
      • Marc (Phillies Phan)

        2 years ago

        He was part of the problem. He made very poor decisions for a team that was mediocre and had no depth. He had to go. I agree he was not the full problem, but a good manager would have probably had 3-5 more wins, and saved his job.

        Like
        Reply
    • Rashomon

      2 years ago

      Doug Mientkiewicz. He has proven himself in the minor leagues. A winning record every year, 5 out of 7 playoff appearances and two championships. He is just waiting for an opportunity. The man loves the game and is a players coach. Too many front offices are trying to control everything in the dugout. Hire Doug and let him work with his guys. He will bring you a championship, Philadelphia.

      Like
      Reply
      • Cat Mando

        2 years ago

        Much of the same can be said about Dusty Wathan the current 3B coach. He had a stellar minor managerial career before being promoted. He never had a losing season in the minors. He would make a fine manager for the Phillies although I do believe they will go after one of the “big names”

        1 Like
        Reply
    • DarkSide830

      2 years ago

      Dusty Wathan. success in the minors as a manager and has earned rave reviews for it. he also knows thd organization better than exterior options.

      Like
      Reply
      • Regi Green

        2 years ago

        Could’ve said the same thing about Sandberg before they gave him a shot.Theres multiple proven options out there,they should get one of them.

        Like
        Reply
      • gmenfan

        2 years ago

        I heard they’re doing their due diligence on his rave reviews.

        Like
        Reply
  13. gray

    2 years ago

    He gone.

    Like
    Reply
  14. gray

    2 years ago

    I bet Gabe wouldn’t have put Kershaw in to pitch the 8th last night though.

    Like
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    • Tom

      2 years ago

      Absolutely not. In need of a lefty out there he’d have gone to Cody Bellinger. Kershaw probably would have been playing the outfield.

      4 Like
      Reply
  15. hozie007

    2 years ago

    John Farrell….

    Like
    Reply
    • keysox

      2 years ago

      No – Maddon 3/24m
      That’s why Angels are interviewing Buck and Farrell

      Like
      Reply
      • Vizionaire

        2 years ago

        dream on!

        Like
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      • HaloHonk4Life

        2 years ago

        Maddon is going to the Angels manager. Scioscia is from Philly. Could be mutual interest. Plus the GM was with the Angels.

        1 Like
        Reply
        • phils phanatic

          2 years ago

          Maddon is from PA as well. hazleton PA matter of factually. less than 2 hour drive to philly. I do hope scioscia,maddon,and Girardi are the 3 guys they’re going to be looking at. definitely feel like an experienced manager is necessary although I feel Scioscia not fully accepting analytics may hurt his candidacy

          Like
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      • trout27

        2 years ago

        The Angels are holding these other interviews to give the appearance that they are conducting a thorough search. It will be Maddon.

        Like
        Reply
  16. Senioreditor

    2 years ago

    #9 coming soon, Roberts may be next?

    2 Like
    Reply
    • keysox

      2 years ago

      Yap – he’s not good. Probably be shown the door Friday

      2 Like
      Reply
    • goldenmisfit

      2 years ago

      Are you brain dead? Has been the Dodgers manager for three years two of those years they were in the World Series. Lay off the drugs.

      Like
      Reply
      • DarkSide830

        2 years ago

        you dont need to be a good manager to lead that team to the world series. the fact that he’s squandered all three of his golden opportunities should see him out the door.

        3 Like
        Reply
      • Show Me Your Tatis

        2 years ago

        He’s been their manager for four years…

        Like
        Reply
      • gmenfan

        2 years ago

        Teams can win in spite of, not because of, their manager.

        Like
        Reply
  17. bigdaddyt

    2 years ago

    That was a quick 33 minutes

    Like
    Reply
  18. realgone2

    2 years ago

    Maybe the Braves’ FO will get a pair and fire Snitker.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • Vizionaire

      2 years ago

      you guys had a #8 draft pick in ’17. it is a quick turnaround!

      Like
      Reply
  19. Tom

    2 years ago

    Kind of bittersweet…yay, they get rid of Kapler, but Klentak, MacPhail, and the entire drafting/development staff should have gone too. This should be a total rebuild down to the studs.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • Regi Green

      2 years ago

      The scouting director stepped down in the beginning of September

      1 Like
      Reply
      • Tom

        2 years ago

        I don’t just mean the scouting director…I mean the entire staff, top to bottom. Basically the Phillies have been so awful at producing talent, everyone should be held accountable, not just a few heads of departments here and there. Everyone who is responsible for putting a product on the major league field.

        2 Like
        Reply
        • Regi Green

          2 years ago

          If they hire a new director though,he’s likely gonna end up bringing in his own people to assist him.

          1 Like
          Reply
  20. smrtbusnisman04

    2 years ago

    Charlie Manuel?? They just brought him back as hitting coach and he helped them to two World Series..

    Like
    Reply
    • gogoblue

      2 years ago

      Manuel is also 75 years old. At his age, he is in perfect position at where he is right now.

      Like
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      • siddfinch1079

        2 years ago

        Also, I think it speaks volumes about what upper management though of Kapler b/c they moved Manuel to hitting coach, but now that Gabe is gone, he’ll be returning to his front office position. Seems to me that Uncle Charlie was doing a little baby-sitting…

        Like
        Reply
        • gmenfan

          2 years ago

          Remind me to never let Manuel watch my kids then.

          Like
          Reply
        • sn0048

          2 years ago

          More likely is that Manual was looked at as a temp from the outset to see if offense would get going a little under him.

          Like
          Reply
  21. brian_james

    2 years ago

    It’s not gonna matter if they don’t fix the rotation

    Like
    Reply
  22. terry

    2 years ago

    My question is: why is the owner taking the lead on firing a manager. Doesn’t that kind of decision come from the GM and FO?

    Like
    Reply
  23. em650r

    2 years ago

    Dave Roberts is next

    3 Like
    Reply
  24. gogoblue

    2 years ago

    Buck Showalter would be great hire for the Phillies in my opinion. Phillies need a veteran manager to guide a team mostly comprised with veteran players.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • lippy10195

      2 years ago

      There is that Baltimore front office history…

      Like
      Reply
  25. 30 Parks

    2 years ago

    Kapler is a front office guy, not a manager. John Farrell always struck me the same way – the game moves fast from the dugout. Girardi or Showalter would be the best fit in Philly.

    2 Like
    Reply
  26. MarlinsFanBase

    2 years ago

    And my prediction at the beginning of the season that two of the three managers of the Mets, Nats, and Phillies would be fired, has happened. Callaway gone. Kapler gone.

    Like
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    • jbigz12

      2 years ago

      That wasn’t an extremely bold prediction. All 3 were on “win now” teams and subsequently the hot seat. The 2 that missed the playoffs were likely to get canned.

      Like
      Reply
  27. MarlinsFanBase

    2 years ago

    My goodness, it seems that Bryce Harper is the Carmelo Anthony of MLB. Overrated player, “underachieving” teams, and gets his managers/coaches fired everywhere he goes.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • AndyMeyer

      2 years ago

      Still on that “Harper is overrated” train?
      You missed your stop

      1 Like
      Reply
    • jbigz12

      2 years ago

      Is he overrated? Sure, he’s more popular or unpopular (depending on your view) than he is productive. He would’ve been a sure fire upgrade to Adam Eaton.

      Stras was healthy and effective for a full season. And they added Corbin and Sanchez to solidify the #3 and 4 slots. If you’re trying to insinuate the team won because Bryce left; I’m calling BS on that.

      4 Like
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      • Mystery Team

        2 years ago

        @jbigz12 Harper wasn’t a big hit in the Nat’s clubhouse so I’m sure him being gone didn’t hurt.. I would say it was definitely addition by subtraction.

        3 Like
        Reply
      • Show Me Your Tatis

        2 years ago

        With money considered they were better off keeping Eaton over Harper

        1 Like
        Reply
        • jbigz12

          2 years ago

          If you factor in the money absolutely. But to suggest the team won simply because Bryce is no longer there is not it. I’m not buying that.

          5 Like
          Reply
        • MarlinsFanBase

          2 years ago

          Funny. Knicks fans used to say the same thing about Carmelo Anthony.

          Too early to make a judgement. However, at some point in Harper’s career, he’s going to have to come up big, his teams are going to have to stop “underachieving”, and managers are going to have to stop getting fired where he plays because of those “underachieving” performances.

          And what am I insinuating right now is this. The reason his teams seem to fail is because I think they depend too much on him and he’s overrated. He’s a darn good player and talent, but it’s hard to convince me he’s the centerpiece of a champion. The Nats went farther due to using their money on other pieces, but also because the kid Soto has performed in ways that Harper didn’t. Soto isn’t just stats. He’s come through in big moments during the season to combine with Rendon. In the postseason, he’s stepped up in star making moments. Harper has been a stat guy who usually ends up dangling his hair and looking up at the scoreboard as he removes his helmet and batting gloves after the moments for stardom have past. You put Harper in those moments that Soto has come through, the Brewers would’ve faced the Dodgers, and even if they still didn’t hold the lead, the Dodgers win 3-2 in Game 5 if Harper had those moments. Something about Harper just doesn’t equate to winning. Baseball has that for some reason with some of the star players. Until Harper proves otherwise, this is a legit question/concern about him.

          And let’s not ignore that he’s only had a couple of seasonal performances that would warrant his contract. When you commit that kind of money to a guy, he needs to perform or that contract becomes a franchise killer until it expires.

          Like
          Reply
    • DadsInDaniaBeach

      2 years ago

      Marlins Fan? So, you’re they guy..

      1 Like
      Reply
  28. VonPurpleHayes

    2 years ago

    I am not a huge Kapler fan, but this season was not his fault. The team lacks starting pitching and was decimated with injuries. It’s a miracle they finished .500.

    That being said, changes need to be made for morale purposes. Hopefully they have another big offseason. Harper’s first year was pretty solid. Extend Realmuto. Sign Dickerson. Get pitching. Lots of it.

    Like
    Reply
    • Brain

      2 years ago

      Dickerson doesnt have a spot with McCutchen coming back. He cant play CF. Hed be a bench bat

      Like
      Reply
      • AndyMeyer

        2 years ago

        I’d be fine with that. Their bench was horrible

        Like
        Reply
        • hopper15

          2 years ago

          That doesn’t mean Dickerson is fine with it.

          Like
          Reply
      • VonPurpleHayes

        2 years ago

        I was thinking Cutch in CF. Depth was one of the team’s biggest problems. So extra OFs would be nice.

        Like
        Reply
        • batty

          2 years ago

          Cutch in CF would be a huge defensive liability.

          1 Like
          Reply
    • modifish

      2 years ago

      I am not convinced that some of these pitchers aren’t better than what they showed. I think they were handled poorly, in both preparation and mental toughness.. Krapler and company spewed nonsense in their general direction for two years. Maybe they can be salvaged with the right people leading them.
      .

      1 Like
      Reply
  29. 619bird

    2 years ago

    I hear the Phillies secretly want Matheny.

    Like
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  30. ScottCFA

    2 years ago

    “It’s hardly uncommon for rookie managers to be dismissed from one club before finding success with another” – like Brad Ausmus? Lol!

    1 Like
    Reply
  31. goldenmisfit

    2 years ago

    Kaplar was unconventional anyone that puts the Phillies problems entirely on him does not know what they are talking about. They are starting pitching was pathetic not to mention their bullpen was even worse. If you cannot pitch not to mention hold leads from the seventh on you will not win no matter who your manager is. I don’t care if your manager was Casey Stangl which for you younger people out there was the manager of the Yankees during the days of Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle and won 10 American league titles and six world championships. Even if you have that guy without pitching you’re not going to win. Something else everyone forgets we are in an era of analytics and Symmetrix where each organization has an analytics team that comprises up every possible scenario and they all put it in a big black binder so regardless who the manager is they are going to make those same decisions based on each organizations theories and ideas. Just take a glance at the New York Yankees where everyone thought things would change as far as their outlook of removing a starting pitcher once they got rid of Joe Torre incomes Joe Girardi and the same things happened then and came Aaron Boone and the same things happened. Three different managers with three different concepts but their decision-making was all the same. Why do you think that was? Because they were told to go by the numbers in that big black binder. The point is this goes out to all Philadelphia Phillies fans, if you think bringing in a new manager is going to change things you will be sadly disappointed what you need is a new general manager to change the overall outlook on your analytics theories to change how your team is managed on the field. This is how baseball teams are managed in 2019 and beyond

    Like
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    • jleve618

      2 years ago

      Paragraphs are your friend.

      10 Like
      Reply
      • Cat Mando

        2 years ago

        When a comment is that run-on I don’t even bother.

        6 Like
        Reply
        • connfyoozed

          2 years ago

          Same here. Just glancing at that jumble gave me a headache.

          1 Like
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        • 5toolMVP

          2 years ago

          Was that paragraph written by Roberts, he could’ve used a pitching change or 3 in there.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • wordonthestreet

          2 years ago

          Neither do I. Its just an eyesore

          Like
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        • trout27

          2 years ago

          Run on sentences are not.

          Like
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      • jbigz12

        2 years ago

        Periods are also your friend. That might be readable if it didn’t have a glut of run on sentences.

        2 Like
        Reply
      • lippy10195

        2 years ago

        Hahahaha

        Like
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    • AndyMeyer

      2 years ago

      Doesn’t matter if it was analytical or the culture in the clubhouse. It wasn’t good enough

      Like
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    • CrewBrew

      2 years ago

      I see you have English 101 with Antonio Brown

      Like
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  32. cubfanforever

    2 years ago

    Joe Maddon to the Phillies.
    You heard it here first.
    Puts him closer to his Pa. roots.

    Like
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    • HaloHonk4Life

      2 years ago

      Scioscia is closer

      Like
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      • trout27

        2 years ago

        Remember that Klentak was the Asst. GM to Dipoto in Anaheim when Sciocsia was manager. That ended badly when Dipoto couldn’t take Scioscia having so much say on personnel. Klentak isn’t going to want to go through that again. Scioscia uses some analytics but not when it comes to pitching. His problem was leaving pitchers in too long.

        Like
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    • wordonthestreet

      2 years ago

      I have heard that many times before you

      Like
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  33. forwhomjoshbelltolls

    2 years ago

    The Pirates should give Kapler a shot.

    A humbled, less experimental Kapler learning from his first job could be a good hire.

    They need someone with energy. As lethargic a team as one could ever see.

    Like
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    • panj341

      2 years ago

      If he will take a huge pay cut.
      They are already paying Hurdle for next year so not much left in the budget for managers.

      Like
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    • Mendoza Line 215

      2 years ago

      Energy Kapler has.
      He relies too much on analytics.
      Like Hurdle,there was not enough discipline in the ranks.
      He was not straight up enough with the media as everything was rosy with him.Too much of that and the manger cannot be critical of his players.
      I thought that Kapler would learn and he may but I do not really think that he is a natural as a manager.
      It is a shame because the Phillies did not have pitching this year and that was not Kapler’s fault.
      I would be hesitant to say that the Pirates should give him the job.I think that Showalter could do well but he may get a higher paying one with so many openings,

      Like
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    • GoAwayRod

      2 years ago

      Plus, if all else fails, the Pirates can try to convince fans that Kapler is actually John Cena. That might get some people to come to their ballpark, right?

      Like
      Reply
  34. rxbrgr

    2 years ago

    Ditch Klentak!!

    1 Like
    Reply
    • DarkSide830

      2 years ago

      he was just extendes before the season. he is not going anywhere.

      Like
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  35. DarkSide830

    2 years ago

    paging Buck

    Like
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  36. Freex19

    2 years ago

    Joe Maddon would make a fantastic fit in Philly

    Like
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  37. bravesfan

    2 years ago

    U fire him because he’s terrible and you spend all sorts of money in the wrong places. Kinda comical

    Like
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    • Pax vobiscum

      2 years ago

      Like the first inning of yesterday’s game with the Cardinals

      Like
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  38. bobtillman

    2 years ago

    What a nice situation for Joe Maddon. 15 years ago, his chief lot in life was keeping Angel players from lynching Mike Soscia on a nightly basis (an old-schooler, “my way or the highway” is Mike) as his bench coach. Then he interviews 100 times for a manger’s job, finally landing in Tampa for minimum wage and a weekly bottle of ripple.

    Now he’s got two well-healed teams interested in him. He fits in Philly; local boy done good, and Lord knows he’s more media friendly (his biggest asset) than Kapler;( OTOH, most corpses are more media friendly than Kapler). So he’s got both the afore-mentioned Angels and Phils as potential landing spots.

    Joe’s a master at kissing the bums in the FO, and handling the media. As a manager? Meh. He grew a bit in Tampa; when he started, he couldn’t make a decision to save his life. Eventually he got to where Cash is now; the heck with it, I’m never going to get rich here anyway, might as well let it fly. (And to be fair, Neander treats Cash better than the boys used to treat Maddon).

    For a guy who, as noted, is pretty average, it’s a good place to be.

    Kapler? Not all the smart guys make good managers. John Farrell, Jon Gibbons, Jeff Banister, Brad Asmus are all universally recognized as being bright guys. It takes more than that.

    Like
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  39. metsfan68

    2 years ago

    mickey callaway

    Like
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  40. OPACY

    2 years ago

    Absolutely the correct move!

    1 Like
    Reply
  41. Polish Hammer

    2 years ago

    Uh oh, back to being a mannequin in Macy’s window…

    Like
    Reply
  42. Dennid

    2 years ago

    Sandy Alomar Jr is due to get a managerial job. Might fit here.

    Like
    Reply
  43. Whifff

    2 years ago

    As a managers compensation as compared to the team total shrinks, it simply becomes easier to fire him than ever before. Therefore this offseason is probably the new normal.

    Like
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  44. padreforlife

    2 years ago

    Padres!

    Like
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  45. seth3120

    2 years ago

    How long was he manager? I think it’s ridiculous to hire a guy on and fire him after one or two years unless he’s just completely lost the clubhouse. These gms are just firing guys at will when truth be told the issues lie at their own feet. Managers are becoming fall guys for poorly constructed rosters in my opinion

    Like
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    • trout27

      2 years ago

      Managers have always been fall guys for poor performance. It is important for a manager to keep players loose and trying their best. It is important to know how they control the clubhouse. These are the things that we are not privy to.

      Like
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  46. neurogame

    2 years ago

    But who will remind players to suntan their balls?

    1 Like
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  47. DonC.

    2 years ago

    Phillies need a real baseball man not a computer generated manager,Dusty Wathan was my choice last time,he brought a lot of these guys up thru LHV Iron Pigs.

    1 Like
    Reply
  48. phillyballers

    2 years ago

    Ummmmm reassuring you that the drafting and player development has been straight garbage?

    Like
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  49. modifish

    2 years ago

    Very happy that Krapler era is over. Too much “it wasn’t his fault it was injuries” talk. Sure they happened, happens to every team every year. You could see his annoying ways two years ago when they brought him in. Just the way he conversates, the BS that convulates everything he says. These players don’t need a buddy , they need discipline and accountability, two thing this loon couldn’t and wouldn’t teach. I’d like to see Madden maybe, but I lean towards Scioscia or Showalter, just because they would counter the analytics with experience and the ability to think off the spreadsheet This team has talent. It was led poorly and needs someone tough enough to undo all the bad habits that it was allowed to develop….they need the 2020 version of Dallas Green to crack some heads…

    Like
    Reply
  50. James1955

    2 years ago

    Phillies fans were talking about a dynasty after last offseason.

    Like
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    • phillyballers

      2 years ago

      You’re the 1st person that ever uttered that. They acquired Zero pitching. We aren’t delusional.

      Like
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  51. DadsInDaniaBeach

    2 years ago

    Happy Thursday…
    Yes, injuries played a role..started off with a good pen and then they fell apart…still, they collapsed 2 years in a row after the All Sham game..
    My issues with Gabe were his in game moves..
    1- Late in a game trailing by a run..Mikel Franco leads off the 8th inning with a single and Gabe does not pinch run for him…result, a double play..2 outs
    2- This was a real head scratcher..In a one run game, runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs and first base open..due up in Freddie Freeman..Gabe pitches to him with the base open..result, a 2 run single…game over..
    Gabe Kapler made G_D awful in game decisions…

    Like
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  52. DadsInDaniaBeach

    2 years ago

    My first choices would be Girardi or someone like him, but if they go to a newbe, then I like Dusty

    1 Like
    Reply
  53. sn0048

    2 years ago

    Upper management’s failure to acquire significant additions for the starting rotation, the glut of injuries, failure to assemble a decent bench and underperforming players easily outweigh any of Kapler’s decision making.
    I don’t believe any manager would have gotten this team close to the post season.

    Like
    Reply
  54. brownies1

    2 years ago

    I think the Phillies should get Joe Madden or Dusty Baker or Buck Showalter. If all else fails Clint Hurdle.

    Like
    Reply
  55. bosoxforlife

    2 years ago

    The Phillies waited 161 games too long to make this move. It was clear from Game 1 in 2018 that Kapler was a product of the computer when he pulled Nola after 69 pitches and brought in Hoby Milner,. There is no way that type of “thinking”, if a computer printout can think, is going to be successful.

    1 Like
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  56. jim stem

    2 years ago

    Kapler’s biggest failure was how he used the bullpen. He regularly used 5 and 6 pitchers per game, many times with less than 10 pitches…EVERY day.

    Like
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  57. crazylarry

    2 years ago

    Wow big time explanation from the owner. Klentak can’t be happy or secure he isn’t next out the door. Love an owner with that type of passion.

    Like
    Reply
  58. frank_costanza

    2 years ago

    Well aware I’m in the minority that thinks he’s a good manager but what I don’t understand is what he did wrong? The team president comes out at the deadline and says “If we don’t, we don’t,” in regards to making the postseason. Well, they didn’t. So where’s the issue? They said it was ok to not make the postseason but then when they actually don’t make the postseason it’s all of the sudden not ok and the manager gets fired? Middleton just doesn’t have the guts to man up and admit he made a mistake and clean house. Because then he looks like a fool. The irony is he looks like an even bigger fool for how he has handled this year. It’s going to be a lonnnnnnnng time before this organization is a legitimate contender again.

    Like
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  59. Mendoza Line 215

    2 years ago

    Maybe the owner is playing it close to the vest to see what his alternatives are.I think that they want Showalter but he has been available.It seems to me that Middleton thinks that there are better options out there and that is why Kapler was fired.
    He may also be losing patience with MacPhail and Klentak.

    Like
    Reply
  60. Lou Orlando

    2 years ago

    I’m not a big Kapler fan. In post-game press conferences, always felt he was p*ssing on my shoes and telling me it was raining.

    The real culprit here is Klentak. The guy has been on the job for more than four years and he still can’t identify pitching quality in starters and relievers. How else does on explain letting Charlie Morton walk while giving Hellickson an $17.5 million QO?

    This Ivy League nerd must have really snowed Middleton this past spring because he got an under-the-radar three-year contract extension last March. Thus, we are stuck with this inept clown as our GM for the foreseeable future.

    Like
    Reply
  61. modifish

    2 years ago

    Middleton should hire Scioscia and force Klentak to quit. If he doesn’t resign right away, it would be great seeing Mike go at him all season. Scioscia would be very popular in Philly and is the anti-krapler needed to wash away the stain of the last two seasons…….

    Like
    Reply
  62. bigrigsnbaseball

    2 years ago

    … Bo Porter was recognized nationally during the Astros World Series victory for developing that team. With experience coaching Bryce Harper with the Nationals and 8 yrs in NL East, I am looking forward to the Phillies making the obvious best choice in Bo Porter.

    Like
    Reply
    • Mendoza Line 215

      2 years ago

      Do you really think that Middleton is going to hire someone who went 110-190 during his two year stay as a Major League manager?
      The Phillies are looking for an experienced manager who has proven to be a winner and they have the money to pay for him.
      Klentak is not going to get a young analytics driven manager this time.

      Like
      Reply
      • bigrigsnbaseball

        2 years ago

        Reasonable albeit incomplete:

        The HOUSTON Astros were in a total rebuild and tanked the seasons. Show me a Manager who could have won with the rosters given to Bo Porter in Houston in 2013 and 2014.

        Like
        Reply
        • Mendoza Line 215

          2 years ago

          I am not saying that he could not be a good manager.
          And you are right.No one could have won with that team.
          I am saying that there is no way that the Phillies will hire him.Maybe two years ago,but not now.

          Like
          Reply

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