Gabe Kapler Named New Phillies Manager

Hi everybody,

Sorry that I didn't write this sooner but I was away in London when the Phils announced on October 30th that former major league ballplayer Gabe Kapler was named as the new manager.  Kapler has worked the last three seasons as the director of player development for the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Kapler replaces Pete Mackanin to become the 54th manager in the history of the Phillies organization.  I wish Kapler luck as the new Phils skipper.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Pete Mackanin Will Not Be Returning as Phillies Manager in 2018

Hi everybody,

The Phillies announced on Friday (September 29th) that Phils skipper Pete Mackanin was taking a new position in the organization next season as the special assistant to General Manager Matt Klentak and will not be the manager next season.  Mackanin had a record of 174-238 in his 2 and a half seasons as the Phils manager.  The Phils have not yet named Mackanin's replacement as skipper.

Mackanin received a well deserved standing ovation by both the fans and players during yesterday's season finale against the New York Mets.  Good luck in your new role, Pete!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Phillies Give Two-Year Contract Extension to Pete Mackanin

Hi everybody,

Just wanted to congratulate Phillies Manager Pete Mackanin for getting a two-year contract extension.  This means that Mackanin will be the skipper through the end of the 2018 season with an option for the 2019 season.  Mackanin has been the Phillie manager since Ryne Sandberg resigned on June 26th, 2015.  The skipper has a win-loss record of 121-161 since he took over as Phils manager.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Phils Having Ceremony To Honor Ryan Howard On Sunday

Hi everybody,

Phils first baseman Ryan Howard is being honored in a pre-game ceremony before the last game of the season this Sunday (October 2nd)...which will likely be Howard's last game as a member of the Phillies.

Howard has played for the Phillies for his entire career and was one of the cornerstones of the 2007-2011 run of five straight NL East division titles, two National League championships (2008-2009) and the World Series title (2008).  Phils skipper Pete Mackanin says that he plans the play the Big Piece in all three of the remaining games of the season.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Tyler Goeddel Likely Done for the Season

Hi everybody,

Phillies outfielder Tyler Goeddel was injured in Wednesday night's (September 21st) game against the Chicago White Sox.  Phillies skipper Pete Mackanin announced yesterday that Goeddel sustained a concussion when he was hit by a pitch in his helmet while batting in the sixth inning.  With only nine games remaining in the season...it is unlikely that Goeddel will play again this year.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Andy MacPhail Officially Named Phillies Team President

Hi everybody,

The Phillies have officially named Andy MacPhail the new team President.  He replaces Pat Gillick....who has been acting President since last year. MacPhail was expected to take over sometime this month after being hired for the position in June.

MacPhail had already made some executive decisions...namely announcing that the Phils would be hiring a new GM (replacing Ruben Amaro Jr.) and electing to keep Phils skipper Pete Mackanin for at least the 2016 Season.

MacPhail now begins the search for a new GM (General Manager).  He plans to name the new GM by the end of the month.

I want to congratulate Andy MacPhail and wish him much success in bringing the Phils back into playoff contention.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Pete Mackanin Named Phillies Manager for 2016 Season

Hi everybody,

Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin has been named the Phils skipper for the 2016 season with an option for the 2017 season. Mackanin has a record of 30-46 since taking over for Ryne Sandberg on June 26th but since the All-Star break the record has been 27-32.  Mackanin is popular with the young players and the team has played with more energy since he has taken the reigns. I want to congratulate Pete Mackanin and wish him the best of luck for the remainder of this year and the 2016 season.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Ryne Sandberg Resigns as Phillies Manager

Hi everybody,

Ryne Sandberg resigned yesterday afternoon as Phillies manager.  He has been replaced on an interim basis by 3rd base coach Pete Mackanin.  Sandberg had a won/loss record of 119-159 since becoming the Phils manager in August 2013.  I wish Ryno the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Larry Bowa Hired as Bench Coach

Hi everybody,

Former Phillies manager Larry Bowa has been hired by the the team to be the Bench Coach under current skipper Ryne Sandberg for the 2014 season.  Bowa, who served as the Phils manager from 2001-2004, has been rumored to be joining the coaching staff ever since the season ended nine days ago.

In other coaching news, Pete Mackanin has been named the 3rd Base coach after serving as the Phils Bench Coach from 2009-2012.  Hitting coach Steve Henderson will return next season but assistant hitting coach Wally Joyner will not.  A new Pitching coach to replace Rich Dubee has not been named yet nor has a decision been made on the status of 1st/3rd Base coach Juan Samuel.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase