It has been ten days since the Phillies have ended their season. Fans have been patiently waiting to hear the fate of Andy MacPhail, Matt Klentak and Gabe Kapler while John Middleton mulls his options. Recent reports coming out of South Philadelphia suggests that the Phillies Owner is traveling around the country and interviewing players.
This is interesting, and if true, puts into question Middleton as a decision making owner. There is speculation as to why this is taking so long? Is Middleton weighing all his options? There are theories that Middleton is keeping Kapler or possibly moving him to a different position within the organization. One thing that seems to have become clear is that Klentak, the architect in this underperforming season, is safe.
The fact a decision has not been made is ridiculous. There is enough information for Middleton to make his decision. But why isn’t this happening? Doesn’t your manager deserve to know his fate? Let’s just say that Middleton privately told Kapler he is back, does the lack of public support for the manager concern you?
If we Don’t, we don’t
Andy MacPhail’s infamous comment about this season is just telling how out of touch the management group is with this fanbase. I mean, imagine if you went into your doctor and had to have a life-saving procedure and he says “we’re going to do everything we can to save you, but if we don’t, we don’t.” I’m pretty sure you’re getting a new doctor. This comparison can be made with pretty much any service. You get my point.
I previously reported that I felt this quote was a major mistake by MacPhail. The quote was in reference as to why the Phillies didn’t go out and get a big name at the trade deadline. MacPhail was failing to properly explain why they didn’t sell off their two most important assets in the Minors in Spencer Howard and Alec Bohm. However, his quote had done nothing to gather fan support.
Klentak’s inability to evaluate pitching
I don’t believe that Matt Klentak is the man to turn this around. Look at his evaluation of Charlie Morton. Morton was with the Phillies, sort of, for one season. He got hurt in April of 2016 and didn’t play the rest of the season. Kinda like Dave Robertson. Morton was owed about 9 million for the 2017 season. Now had Klentak been a GM who knows talent and pitching, he may have decided to pay Morton. Instead, Houston signed him to a two-year deal.
Since 2016, Morton has become a two-time all-star. He was the winning pitcher in game seven of the ALCS and game 7 of the world series in 2017. He is currently pitching for the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS versus his old team, the Astros.
The bottom line here is that Kapler is responsible for some of the problems, he is NOT the major issue with this organization. But, Kapler will be the fall guy should Middleton make a move. The Phillies already started clearing out some staff by firing pitching coach, Chris Young. Middleton has to lead and get this back on track.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
