Report: Wathan, Kapler possible finalists for manager position
He writes Dusty Wathan and Gabe Kapler are expected to be finalists for the position; meanwhile, Matt Klentak interviewed former Red Sox manager John Farrell for the job Wednesday.
As for timetable, Zolecki repeats the same thing we’ve been told all this time: The Phillies aren’t in a rush.
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COMMENTARY: So this is why the “zeroing in” tweet by Bob Nightengale needs to be taken for what it is – a collection of words tweeted out to the world. “Zeroing in” is vague enough to mean several things; in this case it means Wathan is someone they’re likely sending to second interviews.
As for what remains? I’m very much in favor of two finalists being the in-house skipper who worked his way up the organization and has worked with just about everyone of note that the Phils employ on its 40-man roster, and the out-the-box executive who played and preaches sports science. Matt Klentak wanted fresh, and it looks as if these candidates reflect that.
You may be asking “Why Farrell?” I take it this way: Klentak is a first-time general manager making arguably his biggest move yet of his young tenure. If I was in his position I’d be carefully weighing all my options, leaving no stone unturned and acquiring as much information as necessary. It’s possible he’s interviewing Farrell (and guys like Manny Acta, who reportedly wasn’t in person for his talk) also to get an understanding of what veteran managers outside the organization think of certain players, concepts and strategies. All this to say try not to worry about *how* the Phillies reach their decision (and really don’t worry about what it is either, because we won’t know how good or bad it was until years from now).
