Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
April 11, 2006
Fire Manuel

Balls, Sticks and Stuff notes the Phillies bad start doesn't give fans a lot of hope for the season. He's calling for Charlie Manuel's head:

Time after time last season, I defended Manuel. While he was challenged to make good tactical decisions, he got players heads in the right place to play, a big improvement over the previous regime. And it showed, the team won 88 games and got closer to the playoffs than any Phillies team since 1993.

But this year, he has regressed as a manager. His tactical decisions are worse than last year and his lineup cards are perplexing.

The Phillies' problems are bigger than Charlie Manuel, firing him won't make them a World Series team, those issues are too numerous to name here. But if there is any hope of slavaging 2006, the time to make a change is now.

It looks like the Altobelli Effect wore off.


Posted by David Pinto at 10:42 AM | Management | TrackBack (0)
Comments

I disagree. Perhaps if this were an NFL schedule, I would be concerned about management changes. However, this is a 162 game season. If, by August, the Phils are still going by the wayside, then some decisions need to be considered. I agree that the Phils are probably not Series bound this year and the guy needs some time to get his players tuned in with his philosophy and managerial-style. They gave Bowa enough time to sink the Spanish Armada, so I think Manuel deserves some time.

Posted by: Brad at April 11, 2006 01:05 PM

While I think Manuel is a good guy and may yet become a good NL manager, his handling of the Phillies the past year-plus has been very questionable. Why he insists on starting David Bell against RHPs, and his inability to use his bench effectively, has turned me against him.

Posted by: MAW at April 11, 2006 01:30 PM

charlie is completely outmatched on a daily basis. i wouldn't wish on my worst enemies team... unless he's a yankees fan.

Posted by: Tim at April 11, 2006 07:01 PM

maybe, as has been pointed out, it is a little early to actually fire this guy. i think the phils are still trying to figure out what they have, exactly, and how they can use it. that said, even if they do figure out what they have, charlie from mayberry isn't likely the guy to use it right.

i read that pinella has a lot of time on his hands. maybe they should give him a call.

Posted by: BenJah at April 12, 2006 09:40 AM
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