Bronx or Broad? Phillies Looking At Yankees Past Success For Help

Average… A number expressing the central or typical value in a set of data, in particular the mode, median, or (most commonly) the mean. Ring a bell? Average, mediocre, ordinary, indifferent, however you want to describe it, the Philadelphia Phillies have been just that over the past two seasons. However, could changes to the Philadelphia Phillies 2019 squad change that?



After finishing with an 81-81 record, Gabe Kapler’s name immediately drew the short straw on who to blame for the Phillies lack of success. Finishing 80-82 the previous season, an off-season overhaul by the Phillies front office warranted more than just an 1-win improvement.

With the addition of 5 former all-stars, this Phillies team should have been better. Should have been among the top of the NL. But, for some reason, this Phillies team was average at best. Whether it was injuries or lack of depth, former Phillies manager, Gabe Kapler, could not figure out how to make everything work.

Some may blame the front office. However, when you manage a team, you take on all responsibility for what happens on the field. A responsibility that saw the Phillies come out blazing hot to start both seasons with Kapler as manager. However, that flame would quickly fade off in mid to late June just before the MLBs “crunch-time” and never return.



The MLBs “crunch-time” normally starts post all-star break. A point where your season is made or broken in the coming weeks leading into September. A time when your team is supposed to make their push to secure a playoff spot. Unfortunately, Gabe Kapler never put the pieces together and couldn’t lead the Phillies during this time and his record isn’t even average.

In Kapler’s two seasons as the Phillies manager, the team entered the break with 53-42 & 47-43 records. Both records that were in prime position to make a run at the playoffs. However, during the “crunch-time” period, the Phillies would go 27-40 & 34-38 respectively to fall to .500 average teams.

Gabe’s inability to manage a team into October baseball may have been one of the biggest reasons he is not the coach anymore. However, could his replacement be someone who can? Someone who has a proven track record of winning in MLBs “crunch-time” and playing in October?




Enter Joe Girardi.

Joe Girardi, former skipper for the New York Yankees, is in Philadelphia again today for his second interview for the Phillies manager position. A second interview that seems like a welcome to his new position according to reports.

Girardi, who last managed in the MLB in 2017, has been waiting for the perfect fit to come back to managing. A fit that seems very natural in Philadelphia. After being named the manager for Team USA in their quest for the 2020 Olympics, Girardi has been the hottest name in the managerial market. His desire to get back into managing was clear when Joe took on the reigns of Team USA. However, the MLB rumors were never too far off.



The MLB rumors became even more visual and louder when Girardi left Team USA last week. A clear indication that a possibly move back to the MLB was on the horizon. Which got the Philadelphia faithful energized when ESPNs David Kaplan reported that Girardi was the Phillies #1 target. If Joe Girardi is the guy the Phillies hire, his proven track record will even more show the faults and doubts the Phillies had in Gabe Kapler.

To start, Girardi’s “crunch time” numbers are some of the best in the MLB over the past decade. In 12 seasons with the Yankees, Girardi never finished under .500 after the all-star break. Even in his one season with the Marlins in 2006, Girardi played winning baseball post all-star break. Overall, Girardi is 453-348 post all-star break. His ability to win games in playoff races is something the Phillies lacked over the past two seasons.

His philosophy is another key to his success. Girardi is a very hands on manager. Someone who will stand up for his players. But, at the same time, also isn’t afraid to demand something from them. Something the Phillies let slide a little with Gabe Kapler. Gabe’s locker rooms were a little more loose and light. Bringing in a guy like Girardi will tighten the locker room and make the focus more about the game, rather than just fun.



But, what could be the main reason has nothing to do with what Girardi does on the field. It could very well be what Girardi and company may bring to the table in whole. If Joe is the guy, he will know a couple friendly faces already here.

First, his hand picked right hand man in New York, Rob Thomson. Thomson, who was brought in with Gabe Kapler to provide a veteran on his staff, is still in his role as bench coach. A role that Thomson worked himself into in his 12 seasons with Girardi in New York.

Next, expected new scouting director Brian Barber. Barber, also from the Yankees, had worked himself into National CrossChecker position with New York before supposedly taking the Phillies job. In his time with the Yankees, Barber worked hand and hand with Girardi and company to draft and stock one of the best farm systems in all of baseball.




Finally, Phillies President Andy MacPhail. Back in 2000 when MacPhail was the CEO of the Chicago Cubs, Andy brought Girardi back to Chi-town as a player. In his return, Girardi would have his best year statistically and be named to his only all-star appearance as a player. But, it would be his leadership and respect for the game that would have the most impact. In 2002, MacPhail asked Girardi to speak in-front of a soldout Wrigley field crowd to cancel the game due to the death of Darryl Kile. In that speech, an emotional Girardi held back tears without revealing why and told everyone respectfully to understand and pray.

Bringing in Joe Girardi makes a lot of sense. However, the consent that needs to remain is this isn’t a reboot. No, far from it. Girardi would be a step to the next level. A step that started last season with the signing of Bryce Harper and the acquisition of JT Realmuto. A step that may include bringing in another high profile free agent or two this offseason. But, it all has to start with the right manager and Joe Girardi is that manager.