Section 215
Fansided

Are Phillies leaning towards making Dusty Wathan next manager for 2018 season?

By Dan Parzych

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 31: The Phillie Phanatic performs in the seventh inning during a game between the Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 31, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Nationals won 5-1. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 31: The Phillie Phanatic performs in the seventh inning during a game between the Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 31, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Nationals won 5-1. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

According to a recent report, the Philadelphia Phillies appear to be zeroing in on making Dusty Wathan the team’s next manager for the 2018 season.

The last few weeks have been filled with plenty of rumors surrounding who may end up being the next manager for the Philadelphia Phillies during the 2018 season, ranging from Ruben Amaro Jr. to Chip Hale. And while both individuals would certainly be worth at least considering for the position, it appears another familiar face has worked his way into the conversation, Dusty Wathan.

Related Story: 76ers make right call resting Markelle Fultz

USA TODAY Sports columnist reported on Wednesday how the Phillies are “zeroing in” on Wathan, who spent last season as manager for the Triple A Lehigh Valley team, to possibly become the next manager for the 2018 season. When looking at all of Wathan’s success in the minors over the years, this idea could actually end up being beneficial for Philadelphia when looking at some of the talent the 44-year-old would have to work with.

As frustrating as it has been to watch the Phillies finish below .500 in each of the last five seasons, let’s not forget how impressive this team looked at times following the All-Star break this year. In fact, for the first time in what seemed like forever, Philadelphia was generating a little buzz over the potential surrounding this team in the future, and if Wathan does end up getting the job, his role could be critical next season when it comes to the direction of this team.

Next: Affordable rotation options in free agency for Phillies

For starters, all eyes will be on Rhys Hoskins entering 2018 when seeing what the youngster was able to accomplish in 50 games with the Phillies last year. But before getting too excited about what kind of numbers Hoskins may put together, Wathan is a name to keep an eye on over the next few days to see if Philadelphia ends up making the move to promote him to their new manager.

Home/Philadelphia Phillies