Sometimes the offseason isn’t only about replacing what’s on the field, but also who replacing the coaches who get the players fired up day in and day out.  With third base coach Steve Smith’s termination, and bench coach Jimy Williams choosing not to return to Philadelphia, the Phillies have some coaching vacancies to fill.  They filled one of those positions yesterday when they hired Sam Perlozzo as a coach.

It’s still unknown whether Perlozzo will be at third base or on the bench.  That depends on who the second coach the front office brings in.

Perlozzo spent last season as the third base coach of the Seattle Mariners, but prior to that was the bench coach then manager of the Baltimore Orioles.  He comes to the Phillies with 20 years experience as a Major League coach or manager.

The one role he will have is as infield coach.  Perlozzo was an outstanding defensive second baseman in both the minor leagues and Japan.  His knowledge will be an asset of an already stellar Phillies infield.

It’s unknown who will be the second coach that will be brought in (and ultimately decide Perlozzo’s role), but names being rumored are Jim Tracy, Grady Little, and former Phillie, Juan Samuel.