Pat Gillick: Philadelphia Phillies GM, manager safe
By Phil Watson
Pat Gillick, the interim president and CEO of the Philadelphia Phillies, told Philly.com on Tuesday that general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. and manager Ryne Sandberg will be back in 2015 despite a disappointing season.
"“They’re under contact,” Gillick said. “Ruben is under contract through ’15 and Ryne’s under contract. … So right now there’s no thought whatsoever of replacing either one.”"
More from MLB
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return
- Shohei Ohtani trade rumors live tracker: Every update so far
- MLB Rumors: Yankees mistake, Cardinals trade package, Cubs choice
- Inside the Clubhouse: What I’m hearing ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline
Gillick is serving in place of David Montgomery, who is recovering from surgery for jaw cancer.
The Phillies are 64-74 and in last place in the National League East after a 4-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday.
Gillick is currently sharing decision-making on baseball matters with Amaro, although Gillick does have the final vote.
"“Ruben and I mutually agree on most decisions that we make,” Gillick said. “Ruben is very inclusive on any decisions that we make for the ballclub. But right now if there’s something I might have a different opinion, I’ll certainly voice that opinion and we’ll talk it through and try to make what we think is the correct decision.“I would say if it comes down to the end, I have part of the final say. At this moment, I think ownership has a part of the say, too.”"
The Phillies have had a trying campaign, with staff ace Cliff Lee limited to 13 starts due to injury.
The World Series champions in 2008 and National League pennant winners in 2009, the Phillies may have retained the core of that team for too long.
The Phillies are one of two teams since 1901 (the 2008 New York Yankees are the other) to have four players age 34 or older make 550 plate appearances.
Jimmy Rollins, 35, had 587 plate appearances through Monday. Chase Utley, 35, had 575; Ryan Howard, 34, had 561; and Marlon Byrd, 36, had 560.
So they’re bad, but at least they’re old.