Pressure on Manuel and Phillies to win

Last season after a June swoon when the Phillies went 9-18, the rumors that Charlie Manuel was about to get a pink slip picked up steam. At the time Pat Gillick put an end to those rumors repeating many times that Manuel would be the Phillies manager for the remainder of the 2006 season. With the arrival of 2007 comes a new season filled with a new set up expectations for the Phillies and Manuel.

I have mixed feelings about Manuel. I don’t think he was hired for the right reasons. Before he was the Phillies manager Manuel was a special assistant to then GM Ed Wade. I can’t say for sure but I wouldn’t be surprised if Wade had chosen Manuel to be the Phillies manager the moment Manuel he became a special assistant. The other reason, which Wade told the public was that Manuel’s player friendly approach was exactly what the Phillies needed in the wake of the Larry Bowa’s harsh managing style. However, the problem with Bowa wasn’t the way he managed, it was that he couldn’t motivate the Phillies to win.

The switch to Manuel raised the Phillies spirits, but not their win total. Despite that Manuel has had a big impact on this team. It’s hard to imagine the Phillies making the late run they did last season without Manuel keeping the Phillies heads in the game.

Manuel's contract is up after this season and Gillick probably has him on a short leash. Gillick sent Manuel a message this off-season when he brought in bench coach Jimy Williams and first base coach Davey Lopes. Both coaches have Major League managing experience and could be potential replacements. If the Phillies play poorly in April don’t be surprised if Manuel is looking for a new job.

Sources:
Eager to show his Phillies are good
By Jim Salisbury / Philadelphia Inquirer

Reports: Manuel to manage Phils
By Ken Mandel / MLB.com

Picture of Charlie Manuel from Flickr