Who knew Tuesdays could be eventful?
According to Todd Zolecki, John Mallee has been replaced with Charlie Manuel as the Phillies hitting coach.
Charlie Manuel, of course, captained the ship in 2008 when the Phillies won their second-ever World Series. He managed the Phillies from 2004-2013 when Ryne Sandberg took the reigns.
Manuel has exactly 1000 career wins as a manager. His managerial career started as the hitting coach for the Cleveland Indians in 1988. After moving back to a minor league manager in 1990, Manuel was back as the Indians hitting coach from 1994-1999.
In Cleveland, Manuel oversaw one of the best offenses in the American League. The team featured such greats as Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez, and Omar Vizquel.
John Mallee was the hitting coach for the Chicago Cubs from 2015-2017 and won a World Series with the club. His tenure in Philadelphia, however, will be remembered for struggles with the bases loaded. Interestingly, Matt Stinger posted an article yesterday that positioned the idea of a ‘Charlie Manuel’ style coach.
John Mallee’s hitting philosophy is just not making sense. The Phillies want to get into the bullpen by making the starter throw more pitches. I had a friend of mine, who pitched in the Phillies’ minor league system, ask me if this made sense? To him it didn’t, thinking that if you continue to hit the ball, the opposition will take out the starter thus getting the Phillies to their desired result of getting into the bullpen. I agree wholeheartedly. Also how often do we see the Phillies hitters look at the grooved 94 MPH fastball, end up deep in the count only to strike out on a two-strike breaking ball? I would like to see Mallee replaced by a Charlie Manuel-style hitting coach.
The Phillies have shown aggressiveness at the right time, with change simply needing to happen if their playoff race is to really ignite.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
