What will the coaches do? And some managerial candidates emerge

Who will manage the 2018 Phillies?

It’s time for a daily news report …

Say his name

Matt Klentak told all of the coaches they’re “free agents” and could come back, but that’s up to the new skipper. So Jim Salisbury talked to Mickey Morandini (why him over the rest?), who says he wants to be part of the new coaching staff.

But here’s the deal – the Phils stole 59 bases this year (13th in the National League). They were conservative in the running game and it didn’t help an offense that struggled for much of the year. Steals aren’t in vogue right now, but if I’m the Phillies, I zig where everyone else is zagging and prefer a first base coach who sees steals as underappreciated value. I don’t see how Morandini returns, at least at first base.

Here are some names

Speaking of the new skipper, Salisbury dropped a couple early candidates in his piece. They are: Brad Ausmus (former Tigers manager), Tim Bogar (Mariners) and Gary DiSarcina (Red Sox). Both Bogar and DiSarcina worked in the Angels organization during Klentak’s time there.

How is it that replacement-level ballplayers become managers?

His name is Larry

One member of the coaching staff who may not need worry about his future is Larry Bowa. A report from Bob Brookover details the Phils want Bowa back with the organization, possibly in a different role than bench coach (hello, special advisor).

I’m not excited about Bowa coming back. I don’t know what he brings (other than relaying stories about how the game was played in the 1970s), and I’d rather Klentak and Co. look to the outside for help with this squad. While it’s good to have a few connections to the past (I suppose the young players need to know what Philadelphia fans are like?), I think the Phils rely on them slightly too much.

And no, Bowa should absolutely not be considered as manager of the team.