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The Philadelphia Phillies are on their way to finishing the season with a losing record. This has not happened in a really long time. In fact, the last time the Phillies finished with a losing record was 2002. It is not something the city of Philadelphia is used to seeing. Something needs to change. Is Charlie Manuel’s time as manager be up?
The Phillies just lost a series to the Atlanta Braves which put them 20.5 games out of first place in the NL East. Their record is 53-67. It is a miserable season and if the Phillies want to make the playoffs next season, they need a new manager and new strategy.
Manuel has been with the Phillies since 2005. That is eight years of the same approach. New players may come in each year, but it does not seem like anything changes. The team needs new leadership, and someone who can bring something new to the table.
Manuel has not been a bad manager. He had just gotten his 1,000th career win on Monday night. From 2005-2012, Manuel led the Phillies to the best record in the NL at 727-569. He has won the most games in a season as a Phillies manager, along with the most games ever as a Phillies manager. He led the Phillies to five straight NL east titles, and of course won the 2008 World Series.
Manuel is going to be 70-years old in January. He has been around the game of baseball a long time. The Phillies need a fresh start. However, what he has done for the team will not be forgotten.
Rebekah is a Philadelphia Phillies writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow her on Twitter and Google+
