The Philadelphia Phillies have been one of Major League Baseball’s greatest disappointments this season. After an offseason spending spree that saw dramatic overhauls to the lineup, the Phillies were expected to contend for a playoff berth.
Instead, the Phillies are in their usual place in the standings. They entered Monday with a disappointing 21-27 record, already 10.5 games behind the Mets. The players appear lifeless and as though they are going through the motions, seemingly under the impression that the season is a lost cause already.
The Philadelphia Phillies do need a spark…
Given the slow start and the lackluster body language, there is a growing belief that change is needed. Joe Girardi is firmly on the hot seat at this point and may well need the Phillies to go on a hot streak soon to save his job. It is also not a surprise that people would be interested in the Phillies’ managerial job should the position open up.
The Phillies already have one potential candidate. Lenny Dykstra is throwing his hat into the ring, feeling that he could help solve those energy problems and get the Phillies to live up to their potential.
Desperate times do call for desperate measures. Sometimes, a drastic change is needed for a team to start to perform as expected. As Dykstra referenced ‘The Spirit of Billy Martin’ in his tweet, and has expressed his admiration for managers such as Martin and Earl Weaver previously, he would certainly bring a different approach than Girardi.
Dykstra would also have some gravitas in the locker room. A three time All Star and the runner up in the 1993 NL MVP vote, he is still beloved by Phillies fans, a franchise icon whose hard nosed style epitomized the 1993 World Series team. Girardi may have had success as a manager, but Dykstra found a lot more success in his playing career.
Teams have also found managers in different places before. It is no longer odd to see a team bring in a manager who does not have any experience in the position or as a coach. Managers have been brought down from the broadcasting booth to take over on the bench. If the Phillies continue to struggle, why not give Dykstra a chance? What would they really have to lose?
The Philadelphia Phillies are struggling in the standings and lifeless on the field. Lenny Dykstra feels he can change that if they want a different voice on the bench.