Report: Phillies job is Joe Girardi’s to lose

The Philadelphia Phillies are choosing between veteran managers Joe Girardi, Dusty Baker and Buck Showalter to replace the recently fired Gabe Kapler.

While the Phillies’ brass reportedly polled players about the possibility of hiring Showalter, this one reports suggests that the job is Girardi’s to lose.

The Philly front office likes Showalter from Baltimore dats. But belief is owner John Middleton — who made the Kapler call — is leaning toward Joe Girardi. Girardi likely has good feel he’s getting something since he left team USA. @thekapman suggested Phils job is Joe’s to lose.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 21, 2019

This would represent a nice mix between going with a veteran manager while avoiding bringing in someone who is seen as a retread.

Girardi, 55, last managed the New York Yankees from 2008-17, leading the team to its last World Series title back in 2009. New York earned six playoff appearances in his decade as manager.

It will be interesting to see what comes of this. But for now, the expectation has to be that Girardi will be the Phillies new manager.