Samuel still a possibility for the Phillies
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Samuel still a possibility for the Phillies
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
Juan Samuel has long harbored thoughts of returning to the franchise where he began his major league career, and it sounds like things could be heading in that direction.
Samuel's agent, Rex Gary, confirmed Tuesday afternoon that the Phillies have been in touch regarding their vacancy at first base coach, which through this season had been inhabited by Davey Lopes.
Gary declined to discuss the nature of the conversations, or an approximate timetable in which a decision might be made.
"He's open right now and looking for the right opportunity," Gary said. "He's obviously a popular and experienced coach, so I would think something might happen sooner than later."
Samuel, a popular former player who is a member of the Phillies' Wall of Fame, is currently exploring various coaching opportunities around the majors. Most recently, he served as interim manager of the Orioles, taking over when Dave Trembley was fired on June 4. The Orioles went 17-34 under Samuel (they were 15-39 under Trembley) before they hired Buck Showalter as a full-time replacement in early-August.
Samuel broke into the big leagues as a 22-year-old in 1983. The following season, he finished second in Rookie of the Year voting after hitting .272 with 19 triples, 14 home runs and 72 steals. Samuel remained with the franchise until 1989, when he was traded to the Mets. In six seasons with the Phillies, he hit .264/.309/.442 with 238 stolen bases and 92 home runs.
First base is the only current vacancy on the Phillies' major league coaching staff, although the team has a couple of managerial vacancies in the minor leagues. Former Cubs great -- and Phillies prospect -- Ryne Sandberg's name has been connected with the job at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, although the likelihood of that happening is unclear. Mark Parent, a coach at Class A Lakewood last season, is highly respected within the organization and could be a candidate to move up the organizational coaching latter, perhaps to Double-A Reading, where he would stay connected with several of his former Blue Claws.
Double a coaching "latter?"— wjg
Don't let Sammy teach any of the kids about the strike zone. He never figured it out in his time here-lol. But I love him anyway. Never saw him dog it on a ground ball. And he could hit triples with one hand tied behind his back. Class act. Hire him.- Take him and run— BigredDC
- We talkin' about coaches...coaches...not the players, the ones who play the game. Coaches in the midst of the hotstove season. Sheesh. As fans we finally have big time stars, payroll and success but our beat writers and local media is still AAAA.— jtj06
- Whoever inherits Davey Lopes' job will have overwhelming expectations dumped on him. Might as well be Samuel.— paolibulldog
- Juan Samuel has been coaching for several years. Although he never struck me as a future coach. Very quiet.— hawk18
- You're not going to sing for us, are you Sammy?— NovaCheatsintheClassroom
- Bring back the guy he was traded for. Dykstra needs a job.
- They should promote somebody from the Minors. Those guys deserve first consideration after years of long bus rides and cheap motels. The Phillies blew it by not giving Lopes a little extra dough. Watch their stolen base success rate be cut in half in 2011!— Grapost
- Just an FYI, Juan has been a feature writer for the NY Times for several years. He certainly knows baseball and is very articulate.— jimmy2x
- they need to somehow get pete rose reinstated and make him the hitting coach.— babiesmakinbabies
Sign him!!
Second best to Rickey Henderson- Get over Davey Lopes. I am sure they can find someone else to hold the stopwatch. I'll do it for $50,000 a year.— carlosbeltran
- @jimmy2x, aren't you referring to Doug Glanville?— Steve Jeltz, the home-run king
