Who is the best manager in NL East?
By John Buhler
5. Pete Mackanin, Philadelphia Phillies
The former Big Leaguer in the 1970’s Pete Mackanin took over for Baseball Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, who simply had enough of the Philadelphia Phillies’ downward spiral. Thankfully for Phillies’ fans, the Ruben Amaro, Jr. Era as general manager has come to an end. New General Manager Matt Klentak and Mackanin hopefully can build off a nearly 100 loss season in Philadelphia.
The Phillies will have the first pick in the 2016 MLB Amateur Draft and are still looking to revitalize their farm system. The Cole Hamels trade with the Texas Rangers and the Jonathan Papelbon deal with the Washington Nationals certainly helps, but many should expect another losing season in Philadelphia in 2016.
Mackanin finished the final 88 games of 2015 after Sandberg’s exodus with a 37-51 mark (.420 winning percentage). Though has managed 194 games in the Major Leagues, all three opportunities can as an interim manager (Pittsburgh in 2005, Cincinnati in 2007, and Philadelphia in 2015).
Pete Mackanin will have his first shot at managing a club on Opening Day. With a new era in Philadelphia Phillies baseball and nowhere to go but up, Mackanin might do well managing a club with light expectations. However, he is the only manager in the NL East to have not taken his team to the playoffs, hence the 5th place designation.
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