If you had April 10th in your Charlie Manuel Rumor Pool, you just won a bunch of money. Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated's website begins the speculation after a 1-6 start by the Phillies:Baseball people are already starting to wonder whether Manuel could take a quick hit for the Phillies' abominable start, providing it lasts a little while longer (he isn't working for George Steinbrenner in the '80s, after all).I dare say that no manager needed a quick start more than Manuel ... certainly no manager in the N.L. East, where Willie Randolph has helped guide the Mets to a complete 180 degree turn in two seasons, Fredi Gonzalez took over a young team in need of stability, Manny Acta takes over an impossible roster to win with, and Bobby Cox isn't going anywhere unless he decides to.We didn't need Jimmy Rollins to point out that this is one talented team. The Phillies, who seem historically hampered by slow starts, certainly don't want this season to get away from them.
But are the Phillies to blame as much as Manuel? Heyman goes on to point out that the team hired experienced bench coaches such as Jimy Williams, Davey Lopes, and Art Howe who joined Ron Washington in Texas before ever wearing a Phillies uniform. Whether it was a way to cover themselves in the instance of a bad start, or a thinly veiled message towards Manuel, it's easy to conclude that the players have picked up on that. And while it's silly to think that the Phillies have quit on their manager after seven games, how easy would it be for them to do so, when the hirings of Williams and Lopes sends a message that the front office already has?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-11-2007 @ 4:34PM
Kit said...
Hasn't anyone in Philly learned ANYTHING yet?? Does always firing the GM/Manager/Coach of ANY team immediately pay any kind of dividend?? The Phillies are where they are due to leading the league in LOB's already, followed by the lack of a capable bullpen. Manuel can only put on the field what he has on his roster. If you want to fire him, fine. He won't be the first/last manager/coach to be let go so a team can say it is addressing its "needs". And please don't try to tell me retreads Lopes/Williams/Howe would make any difference, either. If I were a GM right now, and felt I needed a change, I'd hurry up and find Joe Girardi's number, since Jim Leyland is busy at the moment. By the way, I'm willing to wager the Columbus Blue Jackets are a winner before the Flyers. Any takers?? At least the 76ers finally realized they couldn't win with a particular player and stopped running coaches through here like it was going to make a difference. I could have coached that team myself, very easily. Here would have been my game plan: "You 4 guys stand around and watch #3 launch 30-35 shots, and try to rebound the 20-25 misses". See?? Easy!! Thank goodness the Eagles are at least stable, and realize that it is talent and continuity that wins. Of course I realize that we have yet to win the Super Bowl, but making the playoffs gives you that chance any time you make it, in the NFL. This whole thing just gave me a great idea!! I think I will open a whistle and clipboard concession at the airport. I'll make a fortune every time a new coach/manager comes to town!!
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4-11-2007 @ 7:22PM
Terry said...
Kit - i now live in florida but spent the first forty years in philadelphia and was, as they say, a diehard fan for their sports teams and as a result, i try to dig up as many articles in the local papers or on the internet written about my native city's teams. it's rare and a very enjoyable read when i see someone write comments as well crafted as yours. i felt like i opened the sports section in the Inquirer and now find myself more informed about the woes (excepting the last several seasons the eagles have had)of the philly fans,which,as we both know,are legendary.
thanks for the insights - i totally agree with you.
and as to the blue jackets winning before the flyers - that's a toss up. or throw up - depending on how you look at it. lol
go philly !
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