2009 Philadelphia Phillies season
| 2009 Philadelphia Phillies | ||
|---|---|---|
| Division | NL East | |
| Ballpark | Citizens Bank Park | |
| City | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | |
| Owners | Bill Giles, David Montgomery, et al. | |
| Managers | Charlie Manuel | |
| Television | CSN Philadelphia, Comcast Network, over-the-air TBD | |
| Radio | TBD (English), WUBA 1480 AM (Spanish) | |
| ||
The 2009 Philadelphia Phillies season will be the 126th consecutive season of National League baseball played in Philadelphia since its inception in 1883. The team, to be managed by Charlie Manuel, will begin their sixth season at Citizens Bank Park and defense of their 2008 World Series championship on April 5th. The Phillies will attempt to win a second consecutive World Series championship, which has never been accomplished in team history, as well as their second consecutive National League championship and their third straight Eastern Division championship for the first time since 1976 to 1978.
Offseason
Following the win in Game 5 of the 2008 World Series, the Phillies began preparations for the 2009 season.
New general manager
On November 3, the Phillies named Rubén Amaro, Jr. to be the General Manager after Pat Gillick retired at the end of a three year contract.[1] Amaro has had a long history with the Phillies, serving as a bat boy in the early 80s, a player in the 90s, and as assistant general manager for the Phillies from 1998 until his appointment as general manager. Pat Gillick remains with the Phillies as an advisor.[2]
Departures
On November 4, the Phillies released third base coach Steve Smith.[3] Smith had been with the Phillies for two years, and a new third base coach has not been announced. The Phillies are projected to have the remaining coaches to return for the 2009 season.[3]
The following day, the Phillies released outfielder So Taguchi.[4] Taguchi had served as a pinch-hitter for the Phillies in 2008, and also replaced Pat Burrell in left field some games. Eric Bruntlett replaced Taguchi for the later half of the 2008 season. Earlier, Tom Gordon was released.[citation needed]
On November 10, bench coach Jimy Williams opted not to return to the Phillies for the 2009 season.[5] Charlie Manuel had expected Williams to return for the 2009 season, and was surprised that Williams declined. However, Williams leaves the Phillies on good terms, and Manuel has stated that Williams is welcome to come back to the Phillies if he changes his mind.[6]
Arrivals
On November 13, Sam Perlozzo joined the Phillies as a coach after spending last season as the third base coach for the Seattle Mariners.[7] Perlozzo has also been the third base coach for the Mets, the Reds, and has also served as the third base coach, as bench coach, and as a manager for the Orioles. No specific position has been announced for Perlozzo yet, but he is expected to work with the infield as a fielding coach.[7]
Retentions
Left-handed reliever Scott Eyre re-signed with the Phillies after becoming a vital part of the bullpen during the stretch run.[8]
2009 Opening Night
The Phillies will begin their 2009 season in front of a sell-out crowd at Citizens Bank Park on April 5 with a ESPN Sunday Night Baseball season opener against the Atlanta Braves.[9] The Phillies were originally scheduled to play in the afternoon of April 6; but after winning the 2008 World Series, they earned the distinction of playing the opening game of the entire 2009 Major League Baseball season.[10] The game will be telecast on ESPN2 due to the primary network telecasting the NCAA Women's Final Four.
References
- ^ Ken Mandel (2008-11-03). "Amaro Jr. takes over reins for Phillies - Longtime assistant GM, former player replaces mentor Gillick". Retrieved 2008-11-03.
- ^ Ken Mandel (2008-11-03). "Gillick to remain with Phils as advisor". Retrieved 2008-11-04.
- ^ a b Ken Mendel (2008-11-04). "Phillies let third-base coach go". Retrieved 2008-11-05.
- ^ Ken Mandel (2008-11-05). "Phillies part ways with Taguchi". Retrieved 2008-11-05.
- ^ Ken Mandel (2008-11-10). "Williams not returning to Phillies". Retrieved 2008-11-11.
- ^ Scott Lauber (2008-11-10). "Jimy Williams Leaves". Retrieved 2008-11-11.
- ^ a b Ken Mandel (2008-11-13). "Perlozzo joins Phillies' coaching staff". Retrieved 2008-11-14.
- ^ Mandel, Ken (2008-11-10). "Phils re-sign lefty reliever Eyre". Philadelphia Phillies. Retrieved 2008-11-11.
- ^ "2009 Phillies Schedule". Retrieved 2008-10-21.
- ^ Ken Mandel (2008-11-10). "Phils to kick off '09 on national stage". Retrieved 2008-11-11.
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