Chase Utley Photo of the Week (5-8-19)

Hi everybody,

This week's photo is a shot of Chase slapping hands with former Phils manager Ryne Sandberg after scoring a run.

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

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

Catching Coach Mick Billmeyer Let Go by the Phillies

Hi everybody,

Phillies Catching coach Mick Billmeyer has been let go by the team.  Billmeyer had been with the Phils for the last decade and was the last coach left from the 2008 World Championship team.  Phils skipper Ryne Sandberg now has at least three coaching positions to fill and that number could grow in the coming weeks.  Rumors continue to swirl that former Phillies manager Larry Bowa could be hired as either the 3rd Base or Bench coach.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Pitching Coach Rich Dubee Let Go by the Phillies

Hi everybody,

Just wanted to report that Phillies Pitching coach Rich Dubee has been let go by the team.  Dubee had been with the Phils for nine season. There is speculation that many other coaches may be let go in the coming days as Ryne Sandberg brings in his own coaches for the 2014 season.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Ryne Sandberg Named Phillies Skipper

Hi everybody,

Ryne Sandberg had the "Interim" tag removed from his title earlier today and was named the Phillies manager for next season.  Sandberg signed a three-year deal and is the 52nd manager in Phillies history. Congrats Ryno!

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase

Goodbye Charlie

Hi everybody,

It's a sad day for Phillies fans.  Charlie Manuel has been let go as manager of the team.  He will be replaced by Ryne Sandberg as "interim" manager.  I am sad to see him go and wish him well.  I look forward to the day that he is added to the Phillies Wall of Fame.

Talk to you soon,
Little Chase