Gabe Kapler – Philadelphia Phillies
After a stellar run back in 2008 and 2009, where the Philadelphia Phillies found themselves in back-to-back World Series, they’ve undergone a long rebuilding process. It feels like decades since the Phillies won their championship, but in reality, it’s been 10 years.
Since that World Series in 2008, the Phillies are now on their fourth manager. The Phillies decided to fire 2017 manager Pete Mackanin. He took over as the manager in Philadelphia back in 2015 after then manager Ryne Sandberg resigned.
Who the Phillies chose to replace Mackanin came as a shock to many. The Phillies hired former MLB outfielder Gabe Kapler to manage the club in 2018.
Kapler doesn’t have much prior coaching experience and none at all for an MLB club. Kapler did manage the Greenville Drive (Red Sox’s single-A affiliate) back in 2007. However, his team struggled mightily, finishing with a 58-81 record. The Phillies are hoping Kapler can find more success managing in the major leagues.
The 42-year-old played 12 seasons in the big leagues. Kapler played for the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays.
Despite the Phillies having four consecutive losing seasons, Kapler holds high expectations for his club. In a press conference, Kapler stated what he expects from his team this coming season:
"We are ultra competitive."
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) November 2, 2017
The goal is to "bring that effing trophy back to John Middleton." - Gabe Kapler pic.twitter.com/4VCas5QmAF
With a plethora of young players and a young manager, the Phillies could surprise people in 2018 and play better than in year’s past.