Every Phillies fan cam tell you that manager Charlie Manuel was a big reason the team won the 2008 World Series.
Which is why the struggling Phils just hit the panic button yesterday, when they brought back the now 75-year-old Manuel as hitting coach to replace former hitting coach John Mallee whom the team fired yesterday, after finding itself fading in the wildcard race thanks to a listless offense.
The Phillies entered Tuesday with a team batting average of .245, which ranks 24th in Major League Baseball. Their 557 runs are good for just 19th. It goes without saying that the production is a letdown after they spent huge money on Bryce Harper and other players this offseason.
Despite the struggles, the Phillies are just two games back in the NL wild card race with a record of 60-58. If Manuel’s presence can help spark them down the stretch, they still have a good chance to make the playoffs.