The Phillies are finally joining the 21st century.
Sources have said that the Phillies are hiring 42-year-old former outfielder Gabe Kapler as their next manager. Currently employed in the Dodgers front office, the choice to jettison Pete Mackanin for some young blood is a sign that the Phils are ready to embrace analystics and try and get the most out of their young core including Odubel Herrera, Nick Williams and Rhys Hoskins.
Here are a few quick facts about the newest member of the Phillies staff:
Playing career
As a player, Kapler played 12 seasons for six teams and his for a .268 career average and 82 home runs. A 57th round pick, he was the MVP during his 1998 stint in Double-A but never panned out as an All-Star caliber big leaguer. He won the 2004 World Series with the Red Sox.
Jewish heritage
Jokingly called the “Hebrew Hammer,” Kapler was proud of his Jewish heritage, once signing a contract for $1,000,018 (the No. 18 represents life in Judiasm). He struggled with whether to play on Yom Kippur during the 2004 playoffs and coached the 2013 Israel National Team in the World Baseball Classic.
On TV
Kapler was on FoxSports1 for a time, discussing and explaining advanced metrics to viewers.
Lifestyle
His website, KapLifestyle.com outlines his approach to baseball and life — which places nutrition and health at the center. In his current position with the Dodgers he emphasizes healthy eating and diet.
The competition
Kapler reportedly beat out former Red Sox manager John Farrell and Dusty Wathan, manager of Triple-A Lehigh Valley for the position.
