Scott Franzke Endorses Pete Mackanin Hiring
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Phillies Announcer Scott Franzke voiced his endorsement for the team's announcement that Pete Mackanin will return in 2016 as the team's Manager.
Franzke, talking with Chris Stigall on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, said Mackanin is a good fit for this collection of players.
"He just resonates well with people I think. Will he be the best in-game manager? I have no idea. But I think he really relates well to the people that are around him, whether it be coaches, whether it be players, whether it be the media. I think it's a good choice. It's a choice that's right in front of you, and sometimes, you're not always willing to make that choice."
Listen: Scott Franzke with Chris Stigall on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT
He said, with the team focused on the search for their next General Manager, they felt comfortable with a known quantity leading the team on an everyday basis.
"There are countless other people who can do the job, I'm sure. But they had a guy that the players already knew and many of the players will be back, will be a part of this team, as they are young players and they're going forward and there's certain qualities that he possesses that I feel like Andy MacPhail just felt like, we've got a guy right here that meets our needs. They've got their plate full. Let's not forget that. They're trying to find a General Manager. So, they've got work to do."
Franzke did point out that the structure of Mackanin's new deal basically means 2016 will be an audition for 2017.
"Andy has said numerous times, give effort to give energy, enthusiasm for what they're doing and they feel like, why not? I think in fairness to whatever General Manager is on his way in here, they gave him the one year deal with an option so that new General Manager can make his own assessments. I think, for the time being, it was probably to best play to say, alright, we like what this guy does, the players like him. Things are okay right here. Let's put him in place so we can move on and focus on getting a new GM."
