Philadelphia Phillies to name Gabe Kapler as new manager
The Philadelphia Phillies appear ready to name Gabe Kapler as their next manager.

Sources close to the Philadelphia Baseball Review hinted at the move as early as Friday and additional published reports surfaced Sunday. The club has not confirmed the news but could announce the hiring as early as Monday.

Kapler spent 12 years playing in the majors, finishing his career in 2010 with Tampa Bay. He then began writing about baseball analytics and was hired in 2014 by the Los Angeles Dodgers as a player development director. He was a finalist for the Dodgers' managerial vacancy following the 2015 season, but ownership went with Dave Roberts.

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Kapler has minimal managerial experience (one season at Class A), but his understanding of analytics and new age thinking aligns with the direction of the Phillies front office. He's also young enough (42) to identify with the youth dotting the current Phillies roster and has interests in nutrition and sports psychology. He's also known for his intensity, though some argue it's a bit sensational at times.

The Phillies interviewed nearly a dozen people to fill the managerial vacancy, including former Giants third-base coach Phil Nevin, A's third-base coach Chip Hale, Phillies third-base coach Juan Samuel and Phillies front office adviser Jorge Velandia.

Kapler was one of only three candidates to score a second-round interview, beating out Triple-A Lehigh Valley manager Dusty Wathan and former Red Sox manager John Farrell for the position.

Kapler spent time as a player with the Tigers, Red Sox, Brewers, Rockies, and Rays hitting .268/.329/.420.
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Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR

BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

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