When your organization invests a record number of dollars in payroll, making several very long-term commitments along the way in theoretical service of sinning immediately, it’s pretty hard to survive an abysmal start to the season. Even if you’re merely a scapegoat.
Joe Girardi is out as manager of the disappointing Philadelphia Phillies:
The Phillies have relieved Joe Girardi of his duties as manager today. Bench coach Rob Thomson has been named interim manager for the club through the end of the 2022 season. In addition, coaching assistant Bobby Meacham was also relieved of his duties. pic.twitter.com/lVL60RrSnJ
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) June 3, 2022
Girardi has been disappointing, according to the Phillies fans whose opinions I trust, but I highly doubt he’s the exclusive issue with this oddly constructed roster.
Also, never great when a comparison to the Cubs is being used as an insult:
The Phillies — with a $229M opening day payroll, which ranked 4th in MLB — have the same number of wins (22) as the rebuilding Pirates, Cubs and Orioles. https://t.co/IOADg2wmhn
— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) June 3, 2022