The Philadelphia Phillies appear to be intent on hiring a manager with experience after they decided to move on from Gabe Kapler last week, and Dusty Baker could be one of the favorites to land the job.
Baker is scheduled to interview with the Phillies on Wednesday, and Jon Heyman of Fancred says he still has Bryce Harper’s endorsement from when they were both with the Washington Nationals. That could give him an edge over other big-name candidates like Joe Girardi and Buck Showalter.
Dusty Baker interviews Wednesday with the #Phillies. Here’s why he may get the job: He has Bryce Harper’s endorsement. Here’s why he should get the job: The Phillies’ main failing in 2019 was their players didn’t play to potential (except Harper, Realmuto and a couple others).
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 15, 2019
Baker managed the Nationals in 2016 and 2017, and many thought his dismissal was unwarranted. He had a regular-season record of 192-132 during his two seasons, though Washington came up short in the playoffs, losing in five games in the NLDS both seasons. Baker also had to deal with a sticky situation involving Stephen Strasburg, and the team may not have been pleased with the way he handled it.
Despite the postseason shortcomings in Washington, Baker is a respected manager who is known for getting the most out of his rosters. The Phillies are loaded with talent, and the 70-year-old might make sense for a team with that makeup.
