Phillies Hire Machado Mentor Dickerson as Infield Coach
Much was made of a couple moves by the Chicago White Sox this offseason in the midst of their pursuit of infielder Manny Machado. First came a trade for Machado's brother-in-law Yonder Alonso. Then came the signing of offseason workout buddy Jon Jay. But the Phillies had a move of their own in the life of Manny Machado.
Roch Kubatko of MASN, the regional sports network that covers the Baltimore Orioles, reports that the Phillies are adding former Baltimore Orioles coach Bobby Dickerson as an instructor:
Dickerson will take over the position of infield coach vacated by the departure of Phillies first base coach Jose David Flores.
The departure of Flores has yet to be announced. However, Kubatko notes that while Dickerson will fill the infield coach role, he will not be coaching first base. The Phillies added Paco Figueroa to fill a baserunning coach role Flores held too, but it remains to be seen if they would consider placing him at first base.
Dan Connelly of the Athletic just penned an extensive piece about how it was Dickerson who went to Double-A Bowie to teach Machado the third base position. Machado, a natural shortstop, did very well at the position before moving back to shortstop last season as he prepared for free agency. From all accounts, the Phillies are interested in Machado as a third baseman.
Meanwhile, the Phillies prepare to meet with free agent outfielder Bryce Harper.