Pat Gillick made it clear at the beginning of the 2008 season that this would be his last season, and his goal was to finish his tenure in Philadelphia with the winning the World Series. With the Phillies winning the World Series, and Gillick officially retired, the Phillies ended any speculation who would be his successor, naming Ruben Amaro Jr. new General Manager.

This is hardly a surprise, as most expected Amaro to take the reigns from Gillick. Amaro spent a majority of this season being groomed by Gillick, and handling most of his interactions with the media. It couldn’t be made official until General Partner David Montgomery informed the other candidate for the position, Mike Arbuckle, his decision.

A native Philadelphian, Amaro has spent a majority of his life with the Phillies. First as a bat boy when his father was a Phillie. Then as a player when the Angels acquired Von Hayes. Upon his retirement after the 1998 season, he accepted a job with the Phillies front office. Now he is the general manager for the Philadelphia Phillies.

It has also been announced that Arbuckle will not return to the Phillies next season, as he will pursue other endeavors in Major League Baseball. Arbuckle will be missed by the Phillies. Known as a shrewd judge of talent, Arkbuckle was behind the drafting of Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Pat Burrell, Cole Hamels, and Brett Myers.

An official announcement is expected to come Monday and Amaro will fly to California for the General Mangers Meetings beginning Tuesday.