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Charlie Manuel signs a two-year deal with Phillies
By Jon Buzby on October 9th, 2007 9:20 PM |
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The BUZZ in Philly
As expected, the Phillies have rewarded manager Charlie Manuel with a two-year contract that has a club option for a third year.
The player-favorite Manuel led the Phillies to their first playoff appearance in 14 years and reached 250 wins in the fewest games since Pat Moran managed the club from 1915-18.
Via the Associated Press, Manuel had this to say about his new contract:
“I am very happy to be back for another two years,” Manuel said. “I’m proud of what the team accomplished this year and I’m looking forward to defending our division title and reaching our goal of winning a World Series for Philadelphia.”
General Manager Pat Gillick had nothing but praise for Manuel:
“We love what Charlie brings to the ballpark every day, which is an upbeat, positive attitude that rubs off on the players,” general manager Pat Gillick said. “He helped lead our club back to the playoffs and he and his coaching staff did a great job, especially with the injury issues they faced throughout the season with a number of key players.”
A two-year contract is standard this day and age. It gives potential free agents confidence they aren’t coming to play for a lame-duck manager without commiting ownership to a long-term deal should things turn sour.
However, that being said, it’s almost guaranteed that if the Phillies don’t return to the playoffs next year, Manuel will be fired.
Unlike in New York, Manuel won’t have to win a playoff series to keep his job. But with the most potent offense in the National League and plans to improve the pitching staff, anything short of a return to the playoffs will be considered a wasted season.
With the first off-season move under his belt, Gillick will now turn his focus to the other three top priorities: signing Aaron Rowand and Ryan Howard, and rebuliding the pitching staff.
Spring training is just four months away.
Jon Buzby is a nationally-syndicated columnist who also writes the Buzz in New York for www.hotstovenewyork.com. He can be reached through his website at www.jonbuzby.com.
