Phillies Turning to Charlie Manuel is Brilliant Stroke of Decision-Making
By Parker White
I think people are still trying to wrap their head around the Philadelphia Phillies bringing the great Charlie Manuel out of retirement and making him their hitting coach, but it's a stroke of genius.
Why, you ask?
BREAKING: A source says Charlie Manuel has replaced John Mallee as #Phillies hitting coach.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) August 13, 2019
Coming into the 2019 season after signing Bryce Harper to his 13-year, $330 million contract, the Phillies had high expectations and were the odds-on favorite to win the NL East.
Well, fast forward to August and the Phillies are just two games above .500 and are currently in fourth place in the division. They needed a shakeup, so it makes sense to bring back a hitting guru and someone who led this franchise to a World Series title in 2008.
Charlie Manuel is the Phillies' new hitting coach.
— The Athletic (@TheAthleticPHI) August 13, 2019
Back in March, @M_Montemurro interviewed Manuel about his hitting philosophy, Bryce Harper's swing, his ability to connect with players and more: https://t.co/SfWVGzZJK1
This decision could be more of an indictment on manager Gabe Kapler, who has a different philosophy than Manuel and leans more to an analytic approach. Well, you aren't getting that from Manuel, who eats, sleeps and breaths hitting.
While their season hasn't gone the way they planned, the Phillies are only two games back of a Wild Card spot. There's still time to turn this around, particularly at the dish.
Who better to do that than Manuel, right?