By Jordan Long
The Philadelphia Phillies have their new manager. Philadelphia fired Manager Gabe Kapler at the end of his second season. Kapler was a disappointing 161-163. Kapler failed to meet expectations after the Phillies signed prized free agent Bryce Harper. Philadelphia decided it was time to move on from Kapler.
The Phillies haven’t made the postseason since 2011. That year they were knocked off by the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Division Series. Kapler was supposed to end that drought, but failed to do so. Philadelphia found a Manager who might be able to, Joe Girardi.
Girardi has been a manager at the MLB level before. He spent 1 year in Florida with the Marlins and 10 years with the Yankees. His overall record is 988-794 or a winning percentage of .554. His success came when he managed the Yankees from 2008 to 2017. New York made the postseason 6 times and appeared in 4 American League Championship Series and 1 World Series. Girardi helped New York win the World Series in 2009.
New York moved on from Girardi after the 2017 season, even though it was successful. New York went 91-71 and advanced to the ALCS but were beaten by the Houston Astros 4-3
The Chicago Cubs interviewed him when they dismissed Joe Maddon. This was his dream job since he not only played for Chicago but grew up in Illinois. Chicago decided to hire David Ross. Philadelphia needed to employ Girardi because of his experience. If they didn’t, another team might have agreed to a contract with him which could have been the New York Mets.
Philadelphia has hired the right man for the job. Girardi knows the game of baseball and his knowledge should help Philadelphia be a winning ball club. Philadelphia must give him more than 2 years to do so. Hopefully Girardi can manage this team to the playoffs and win a World Series for them for the 1st time since 2008.
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