New Philadelphia Phillies rumors reveal which key decision-maker is expected to take the fall if they don’t make a deep run in the playoffs this fall.
It was just a few months ago when the Phillies’ season seemed on life support after going 10-16 in April. However, late in the month, team President Dave Dombrowski made the decision to fire manager Rob Thomson. His general manager, Preston Mattingly, unsurprisingly chose to replace Thomson with his father, New York Yankees legend and bench coach Don Mattingly.
Fortunately, the decision was the right one. The Phillies caught fire and went 36-19 over the next two months. Thrusting them back into the NL East title and playoff race. However, in July and August, Philadelphia has fallen back to Earth. Posting a 17-20 record over the last six weeks, including going 9-15 in July.
Dave Dombroski’s job is safe
It has created a lot of uneasiness in Philly, as one of the most expensive rosters in MLB has not lived up to expectations. Despite the struggles, Phillies brass still want a trip to the World Series in October.
If the team doesn’t achieve that goal, who is going to take the fall after the season? Well, according to USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale, it won’t be the architect of the roster and payroll, Dombrowski.
“Dave Dombrowski, Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations, may be under fire from fans and segments of the Philadelphia media, but his job is not only safe, high-ranking officials say, but he will also receive a contract extension this winter.”
– Bob Nightengale
Alex Cora a lock to be next Philadelphia Phillies manager
That will certainly disappoint a group of Phillies fans who have wanted to see the president axed over the last couple of years. So who will take the hit if Philadelphia doesn’t at least get to the World Series? With rumors of serious interest in former Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora recently, it looks like the elder Mattingly will be the odd man out after the season.
“Don Mattingly not only must lead the Phillies to the postseason, but likely to the World Series, or even win it, to be asked back. Alex Cora, who turned down the job when Thomson was fired, is expected to be the Phillies’ next manager, barring a World Series berth or title.”
– Bob Nightengale