Joe Girardi to manage the Phillies in 2020
It appears Joe Girardi will be managing again in 2020, and this time he'll be wearing red pinstripes. The two sides have an agreement in place, according to a source. It's believed the Phillies could make a formal announcement at some point today.

MLB.com's Todd Zolecki was first to report the signing.

It was clear from the outset that the Phillies valued experience in their search for a new manager. Girardi brings a solid resume that includes 10 seasons in the Bronx where he managed the Yanks to an astounding 200 games over .500 and a World Series win in 2009.

Phillies' managing partner John Middleton targeted Girardi from the outset as a favorite for the position. He brings a sound understanding of analytics to the position, but also can communicate extremely well with players. General manager Matt Klentak led the search, but Middleton had the final say.

Girardi is a blend of the two schools of baseball and that's why he was such an attractive candidate to the Phillies. He'll now be tasked with finding hitting and pitching coaches.

A native of Illinois, Girardi spent 15 seasons as a player in the Majors. He made his debut in 1989 with the Cubs and spent seven seasons there before joining the Yankees. He also spent time with the Rockies and Cardinals. He was an All-Star in 2000 and finished his career with a .267 batting average.

Girardi was fired by the Yankees following the 2017 season after falling in the American League Championship Series. He recently interviewed with the Cubs and Mets for their managerial vacancies.

In the end, Middleton again got his man.
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Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR

BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

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