Samuel, Velandia score first managerial interviews; Wathan next
Hey! Interviews!
It’s time for a daily news report.
First two managerial interviews
The word is out about the first two men to interview for the Phillies’ managerial opening: Third-Base Coach Juan Samuel and Special Assistant to the General Manager Jorge Velandia.
Samuel’s name was thrown out there as someone who could be on the Phils’ radar, and so his candidacy isn’t surprising. A coach with the Phillies since 2011, Sammy (who hit .263/.310/.439 over seven seasons with the Phils) also served as interim manager for the Orioles in 2010.
Guess who was general manager of the 2010 Orioles?
That’s right: current Phils’ President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail.
Velandia, meanwhile, has been with the club since 2010 in a variety of personnel roles, from the coaching staff to player development positions. Recently he’s been a special assistant to Klentak. At age 42, he spent parts of eight years in the majors playing with the Mets, Athletics, Blue Jays, Rays, Indians and Padres.
Meanwhile, Todd Zolecki reports Klentak will meet with Dusty Wathan before the weekend. External interviews will begin next week.
Nola? No brainer?
Jeff Todd at MLB Trade Rumors dives into the Aaron Nola extension question. He says there are benefits and risks with a Nola extension, and that it’s possible he would decide not to accept a deal because he’s so close to arbitration (after 2018).
Our Mike Sadowski tackled this very issue last week.
