Report: Manuel to Replace Mallee as Hitting Coach
John Mallee came to the Phillies with an impressive resume. It was under Mallee's tutelage that the Chicago Cubs broke their 108-year World Series drought. But the results in one-plus seasons with the Phillies has been underwhelming. That reportedly has led to a major change.
The move was officially announced by the Phillies with the following release:
The Phillies have relieved hitting coach John Mallee of his duties, the club announced today. Former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has been named the team’s hitting coach. Manuel, who currently works as senior advisor to the general manager, will assume the position for the remainder of the 2019 season.
Previously, Manuel, 75, served as hitting coach for the Cleveland Indians from 1988-89 and 1994-99. From 1994-99, his second tour as hitting coach, Cleveland led the American League in runs three times (1994-95, 1999), led the league in home runs twice (1994-95) and set a franchise record by hitting 220 homers in 1997.
Manuel gained game-wide recognition as the hitting coach for the Cleveland Indians who mentored the likes of Jim Thome and Manny Ramirez. Manuel, of course, comes with a World Series-winning pedigree as well, managing the Phillies to their 2008 World Series title. Manuel has served as a special assistant to the club since being fired as manager in 2013. The Phillies offense has underwhelmed.
Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia compiled the following stats, which are alarm for a team that was expected to compete:
Stay tuned for more.