Phils start cleaning house, expect more changes on horizon

Not making the playoffs for the first time in six seasons will probably lead to a little house cleaning. Following the Phillies’ 5-1 defeat yesterday to the Washington Nationals, that’s exactly what the front office did.

The Phils fired bench coach Pete Mackanin, hitting coach Greg Gross and first-base coach Sam Perlozzo after the season finale. It is expected that Triple-A Lehigh Valley manager Ryne Sandberg will join the coaching staff in some capacity.

Skipper Charlie Manuel didn’t seemed surprised by the moves, saying that some people have to take the blame when things don’t go right. Both Mackanin and Perlozzo had been on Manuel’s staff since 2009. Gross was in his second tour of duty, after taking over for Milt Thompson midway through 2010.

“We tried a lot of things,” Manuel said.

Manuel also indicated that he expects more changes to come, specifically on the 25-man roster.

“We’re definitely going to have some changes on our roster. How many or what, I really don’t know,” Manuel told reporters. “We’re going to try to get better and get back to compete, win our division and have a chance at the World Series.”

Manuel said he had spoken with GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. and president Dave Montgomery. Perhaps Amaro will lend further light today, when the general manager is scheduled to address the media.

Nats 5, Phils 1

The Phillies ended the 2012 season with a loss yesterday in Washington. Here are the highlights from that one:

Cliff Lee (6-9) was tagged with the loss after surrendering three runs on eight hits in six innings. He struck out seven, but gave up two solo home runs.

Darin Ruf was credited with the lone RBI after his sac fly scored Carlos Ruiz. Ruf had 10 RBIs in only 33 at-bats.

The Phils got three doubles, one from Ruiz, another from Kevin Frandsen and a third one from Nate Schierholtz.

Playing .500 baseball. The Phils finish with a record of 81-81, marking their worst season since 2002 (80-81).