Washington Nationals: How Does Baker Fit With NL East Managers?
By Ron Juckett
PETE MACKANIN – PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
A better fit for the Phillies than Ryne Sandberg, it is hard to say anything bad about Pete Mackanin.
Hamstrung with handling a rebuilding project at its beginning, Mackanin is not in a true position to show his talent. He guided the Fighting Phillies out of the basement in 2016, but mustered a winning percentage of .438. His style helps Philadelphia more than it hurts.
His players vouching for Mackanin last offseason to stay as manager helps his cause. They like playing for him. Something you can say for every manager on this list. He is the right man for the job.
Because the quality of managers is so high in the division, his rank of fifth is not a slap on his abilities, but speaks to the depth of talent in the NL East. Whether the player talent is there or not, you never get the sense watching the Phillies they are not prepared and professional. That goes back to Mackanin and his staff.
With full replay, he challenged 46 calls in 2016 and could overturn 26. Not a bad record.
This season will be a struggle in Philadelphia. A bad stumble out of the gate will warm Mackanin’s seat quickly. He deserves a full year to see if the Phillies can rebound in the right direction.