When Pete Mackanin replaced Ryne Sandberg last June he was originally given an “interim” title. Then, in September, he was named the team’s permanent manager, with a deal that took him through 2016. Despite a 37-51 record under him, the Phillies must like what they’ve seen from Mackanin, because today they announced that he’s been given a contract extension: he’s now signed through 2017 with a club option for 2018. Previously 2017 was covered by a team option.
A good move for Philly, as Mackanin has been a stabilizing force at a time of much organizational upheaval. Sandberg left under a cloud and then the entire front office was revamped and a tear-down rebuild embarked upon. There’s still a long way to go before that rebuild bears fruit in the form of a winning big league ballclub, but there has been little if any strife from the Phillies’ dugout and Mackanin, an old hand who has served the Phillies a long time, coaching from 2009 through 2012 and again in 2014 through last year and up to the present, can take responsibility for that.
