Phillies Manager Shares His Approach To Big Games

In MLB, there are two increasingly different approaches: an old-school way of thinking, and one based on analytics.

Both have their advocates and critics, but the best and most romantic thing about the whole situation is that if a team applies one or the other, it has a chance to win it all as long as it has impact players who aren’t afraid of the big stage.

Take, for example, the Philadelphia Phillies.

While some teams like to prepare for every type of situation and have a “script” about what to do in certain situations (not letting the opposing lineup see the pitcher for a third time, for example), others prefer to approach big games with gut, experience, and feel.

This is the case of Phillies skipper Rob Thomson.

“Phillies manager Rob Thomson says he doesn’t believe in the concept of scripting out a plan before games like many teams, instead relying on his eyes and feel,” MLB insider Bob Nightengale tweeted.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson says he doesn’t believe in the concept of scripting out a plan before games like many teams, instead relying on his eyes and feel.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 22, 2023

This doesn’t mean that the Phillies don’t use analytics at all.

In fact, the analytics department helped Trea Turner break an ugly slump a few weeks ago, just to name an example.

It’s just that their manager prefers to let the game situation and his knowledge of the game dictate his decisions.

It has worked for the Phillies, who haven’t made any particular pitch management or in-game blunders in the playoffs in the last two years.

In 2022, they reached the World Series; and they are one victory away from doing it again this year.

Their manager projects confidence and calmness, and that has played a huge role in the Phillies relaxing and playing ball to the top of their abilities.