MLB managers are hired to be fired. There is no way around it – with very few exceptions, every manager will eventually get the axe and be forced to leave. Even the greatest managers of all time, such as Casey Stengel and Bobby Cox, had to be fired several times before finding greatness.
Maybe that greatness will find some of these managers some day. In some cases, it has as they have won championships and reached the postseason. However, even with their past success, it is clear that these organizations need to make a change.
Four MLB managers that need to be fired
Several teams need a new voice on the bench. Let’s take a look at four MLB managers that should be headed to the unemployment line.
Joe Girardi
The Philadelphia Phillies were supposed to contend this season. Expectations were high after an offseason shopping spree that saw Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber come on board, adding more firepower to the lineup. The bullpen had been overhauled once again, with the hope that this time, it would work.
Well, so much for that. The Phillies are once again a middling team at best, ranking seventh in the National League in OPS and eighth in ERA. Despite a payroll approaching $220 million, the Phillies entered Tuesday’s slate of action seven games under .500. That matches the Pirates, who are not even attempting to compete this year.
The Phillies are a flawed team. There are holes at shortstop and in center while the lineup does not have a true leadoff hitter. The back of the rotation and bullpen have disappointed again. Changes are needed.
And that is going to come down on Joe Girardi. Despite being a solid manager and having led the Yankees to the postseason six times, he has not found that success in Philadelphia. The whispers about his job security are getting louder and it seems to be a matter of time before he is looking for another MLB opportunity.
Joe Girardi is not the problem with the Philadelphia Phillies. However, he is likely to be sacrificed for their struggles this season.