Phillies Fire Charlie Manuel, Effective Immediately

[Da Schwab]

After eight-plus seasons, one World Series title, and one team death spiral largely brought on by his GM, Charlie Manuel is done as Phillies manager.

The Phillies have scheduled a 2:30 press conference to announce the news. Manuel will reportedly be replaced by third-base coach Ryne Sandberg.

The Phillies have gone 5-20 since the All-Star break, and seem destined for their first losing season since 2000. If a change was going to come, there was no sense waiting until the winter.

Since replacing Larry Bowa after the 2004 season, Manuel has put up a record of 780-636. He was the longest-tenured manager in the National League, trailing only Mike Scioscia and Ron Gardenhire in MLB.

http://deadspin.com/reports-charlie-man ... 1155190562

Maybe, just maybe, this is the start of a complete rebuild by RAJ and the ownership. I also wouldn't be surprised if Ryne Sandberg is retained as manager if these last 40 games go well.

[Quake Griffin]

I'd get rid of RAJ too.

Bad contracts + crappy farm = fired IMO.

[Ado05]

I'd get rid of RAJ too.

Agreed. It was pretty clear that this team wasnt going anywhere. They were old and were just flat out not good. Everything about the team screamed re-build. They have peices to trade for prospects (Lee, Rollins, Ruiz, Utley, Young, Hamels etc.) yet it doesnt look they will rebuild, with the resigning of Utley.

This guy clearly doesnt know where to go with the team.

[TyCobb]

They shouldn't be rebuilding. They have 2 great LH starting pitchers in Hamels and Lee with a 3rd soon-to-arrive in Jesse Biddle. Papelbon at closer, solid MI veterans, and a young, promising RF in Domonic Brown. These guys are one Shin-Shoo Choo signing away from being highly competitive, especially if they ever finalize the Miguel Gonzalez deal.

[Quake Griffin]

he wasn't responsible for the winning that took place in Philly and has done nothing but ruin the team.

they aren't one player away from contending for anything.
they're an entire good infield (especially defensively) from being a good team in general....let alone a contender.

[craig01]

I'd get rid of RAJ too.

Bad contracts + crappy farm = fired IMO.

Yep.

The damage has been done.

[Higga]

I'm surprised they fired him so late into the year. May as well just ride this year out and then replace him in the off-season. Philly really screwed the pooch by not mass trading their core old guys(Rollins, Utley, Howard)at the deadline.

I almost feel bad for them. Almost.