Manuel on contract: "I think it's a matter of time"
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Manuel on contract: "I think it's a matter of time"
Bob Brookover, Inquirer Baseball Columnist
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel was asked about his contract status Monday afternoon during an appearance on 610 WIP and he did not seem like a man who is too worried about his future.
"My contract, we put something out there and we know exactly where we're at," Manuel said. "I think it's just a matter of time."
The 2011 season is the final year on Manuel's contract, but no one has ever thought that his job was in jeopardy. Manuel added that he'd like to manage at least three more years and finish his career as a Phillie.
"I don't want my contract to be any kind of distraction to our team or our organization," he said. "I have a contract that runs through the season and I don't think I should let my contract interfere with what we do. My number one priority ... is to try to win the World Series and that's what we're here for. That will always be my first priority. At the same time, everybody would like to have a contract.
"I know as good as I sit here I could manage at least three more years. From there on out, I think it would be a situation where I could sit down with my general manager (Ruben Amaro Jr.) and (Pat) Gillick and they could look me in the eye and tell me if they think I'm getting too old or I don't have the energy or I don't have a life.
"At the same time ... I think I am a Phillie."
That comment triggered a loud ovation from the fans in attendance at Manuel's interview which was staged at a diner in Cherry Hill.
"I love living in Philly and I love the fans," Manuel added, leading to more appreciation from the crowd. "I want to go out as a Phillie."
Manuel also talked about a number of issues, including shortstop Jimmy Rollins.
"I have always looked at Jimmy as a leadoff guy," Manuel said. "I think Jimmy is a very intelligent player. I'm not saying (Shane) Victorino won't lead off for us. He would be our next option."
Manuel was less forthcoming about who will replace Jayson Werth as the fifth hitter in the lineup, but did not discount the idea that Rollins could hit there, too.
"First of all, I think Jimmy could hit first, second, third, fifth, sixth or even fourth for a couple of days," Manuel said. "Listen, I take a lot of pride in our hitting and we're going to find somebody to hit fifth. We have some good candidates. I guarantee you we're going to get some production from that spot."
Manuel listed his primary candidates as Ben Francisco, Domonic Brown and John Mayberry. He also said the team has told Mayberry to get a first baseman's mitt in order to work at that position.
The Phillies' manager said he is eager to see Brown at spring training next month.
"This is a guy with high potential," the manager said. "He has a lot of talent. He can throw, he can run ... he has power. He has not played a lot of baseball. He was a football player. I had people I know tell me he was the best hitter in double-A last year and that makes me real anxious to see him play good."
Manuel also talked about Mayberry possibly making the team out of spring training for the first time.
"John Mayberry was a high draft pick and he has skills," the manager said. "He's like a deer when he's running. He's faster than you think he is. He needs to get a little more aggressive. It has reached the point where we need to use John Mayberry's talent at times."
Comment removed.
I read an article about how the Phils should put Vlad Guerrero in RF this year and just deal with his lack of defensive ability. His bat in the 5th spot for like 100 games (assuming he can hold up) would be ridiculous. It would be the protection Howard needs. I don't like Rollins leading off. If you are staying in-house, just bat him 5th. He likes to swing for the fences anyway. Now when he pops it up in the 5 hole, we can't get too upset.- I read an article about how the Phils should put Vlad Guerrero in RF this year and just deal with his lack of defensive ability. His bat in the 5th spot for like 100 games (assuming he can hold up) would be ridiculous. It would be the protection Howard needs. I don't like Rollins leading off. If you are staying in-house, just bat him 5th. He likes to swing for the fences anyway. Now when he pops it up in the 5 hole, we can't get too upset.
- nothing would make me happier than to have Vladdy Daddy hitting fifth. who is reporting that it might happen?— ThinkTwice
- Vladdy Guerrero in the Phillies lineup would be totally awesome. That is, the Guerrero of 5 or 6 years ago. The Vlad of today is a liability in the field and he can't run to save himself (think Pat Burrell). But his bat would still be just what the Phillies need in the 5th spot to replace Werth. That said, Amaro wouldn't come up with the money it would take to sign Vlad....unless he can unload Blanton's salary first.— SteveS11
- With Vald in RF they would have two OFs (him and Ibanez) that would need to be replaced after the 6th/7th innings. Still though, he wwould be decent protection for Howard. Intriguing.— ESFjellin
- I like the way Charlie backs his younger guys, putting just the right amount of pressure on them but also complimenting them. I agree with him -- that we need a few spots open to competition, with getting younger in mind. Much as I've been awed by Vlad over the years, his best days are several years behind him, which is why he's still available.
— eman - Mayberry finally gets a mention. His name all but disappeared when Brown was hot on the radar. What are the chances we can use Mayberry's RH bat a bit? Maybe he and Francisco. Gotta love Charlie. He knows how to manage his guys.— s
- Charlie should be able to finish his career here. Players love him, fans love him because he won a WS and management doesn't want to disrupt the best streak of quality seasons ever in team history.— Rick Wise Guy
- Let's assume that Polanco and Ruiz hit the same as last year. We can make up for Werth by having Howard, Utley, Rollins and Victorino improve over last year's numbers. They can do it. Improvement from the big 4 and batting Ruiz in the 5th spot could make up for Werth. We don't need Vladdy or any other older bat. We need our existing team to hit to it's potential.— Bob20Philly
- Sorry to say but I think Howard's best years are behind him. Blow the first fast ball past him, and then nothing but curve balls. He'll hit .280, 25 HRs, and 95 RBIs this year.— FlAJOE
- Or, more generously, if he stays healthy (unlike last year, thus a down year in terms of HR/RBI production), he'll hit .270, 32 HRs, 112 RBI, which ain't bad for a first baseman. Keep in mind that Schmidt only hit 40 or more HRs three times in his career (maxing out at 48), whereas under 40 HRs for Howard is considered an "off year." Howard's hit 58, 47, 48, 45, and 31 HRs the past few years -- and if healthy last year he probably would have hit in the upper 30s. He's the best power hitter who's ever been on this team, plays hard, improves each year (baserunning, weight, fielding), and seems like a good guy who anchors this team's offense at cleanup -- treat the man with respect.
— Leegles - Mayberry reminds me of Werth a few years ago -- tall, fast, good arm, power. Mayberry is much younger, though. Would be great if he or Brown or anyone adequately filled Werth's fifth slot.— Leegles
- ragecage22-Don't tell me you won't get upset if Rollins pops up with runners on base in the 5th hole. IT would be a waste to put Rollins speed behind Howard...— phigglesfan75
- IT is time for Mayberry and to step up and take some at bats...— phigglesfan75
