In a surprise move, Philadelphia Phillies GM Matt Klentak announced that Pete Mackanin would not be returning to manage the club in 2018. Klentak had extended Mackanin's contract through 2019 back in May. Mackanin took over the reins of the club in June 2015 when Ryne Sandberg abruptly resigned.
Although the Phillies are in last place in the NL East 32 games back of the Washington Nationals with the second worst record in MLB, the Phillies have played .500 ball since the All-Star Break. The emergence of Nick Williams and Rhys Hoskins along with Tommy Joseph, Maikel Franco, Odubel Herrera and Aaron Altherr have made the Phillies one of the NL's most potent offenses.
The blow against Mackanin was softened with his appointment as a special assistant to Klentak. But one has to wonder why Klentak soured on Mackanin's continued presence in the dugout.
It will be interesting to see who succeeds Mackanin and how the team responds. I've a feeling things will get worse for the Phillies before they get better.
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