Like a fever dream, Joe Girardi’s time in Philadelphia has ended. Another former Yankee, and current bench coach, Rob Thomson, will now assume managerial duties. You can always rely on the Phillies for originality.
So just hours ahead of tonight’s bout with the Los Angeles Angels, we need to know who’s holding the baby. Let’s get to know Thomson, interim to the stars and the fourth-highest payroll in the MLB.
‘The right man to lead us going forward.’
That’s right from the mouth of Dave Dombrowski, President of Baseball Operations.
His official statement goes on to say, ‘our club has not played up to its capabilities.’ No kidding, Dave.
It remains to be seen if we’re getting Pete Mackanin, Ryne Sandberg (not that either outcome inspires much confidence), or something better.
Thomson’s leash should extend through the remainder of the 2022 season, so for a team that has felt stagnant over the past month, maybe a bottle of ’09 Thomson will lube them up.
Rob Thomson has plenty of experience
A 32nd round pick of the Detroit Tigers in 1985, Thomson was a member of the 2009 Yankees staff that stole a World Series from Charlie Manuel and the Phillies. So if you we’re tired of the Philadelphia recycling bin of former Yanks, buckle up.
Rob Thomson ahs done a little of everything from front office operations to third base coach. He even appeared in the 1984 Olympics representing the Canadians.
He will bring fifteen years of Major League coaching experience to the dugout, and has been the team’s Bench coach since 2018.
This evening, Thomson, a member of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, will manage the fourth official game of his career (3x in his ten years with the Yankees).
According to Thomson, an ’emotional’ day has him replacing his longtime boss, but Girardi has confidence in his pupil.
‘He’s the best coach I’ve ever been around,’ said Girardi via MLB Network Radio. From his lips to God’s ears.
Too bad I just learned how to spell Girardi. So is life.
Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire
