The Philadelphia Phillies weren’t playing like a playoff-caliber team when they decided to let manager Joe Girardi go in early June.
Having made some important financial commitments over the offseason, like signing Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos, the front office expected much more than a dismal 22-29 start.
That’s what Girardi got in the first 51 games.
The Phillies thought they still had some time to turn things around under a fresh clubhouse and dugout voice, and named Rob Thomson the interim manager.
Not only did Thomson lead them to the postseason, but he also managed to win the Phillies’ first playoff series in more than a decade.
He is now the sole member of an interesting club, according to MLB insider Jayson Stark.
“Complete list of every manager in history to take over a team at least 7 games under .500 in midseason and go on to win a postseason series: Rob Thomson, 2022 Phillies. End of list,” he tweeted.
Complete list of every manager in history to take over a team at least 7 games under .500 in midseason and go on to win a postseason series:
Rob Thomson, 2022 Phillies
End of list
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) October 10, 2022
What Thomson did with the Phillies was very, very impressive, despite nearly losing that precious postseason spot with a lousy finish.
Thomson Took The Phillies To The Playoffs
The Phillies finished with an 87-75 record, and Thomson was 65-46.
That was good for a rock-solid .586 winning percentage.
There is a sizable difference between a 22-29 record and a 65-46 one.
Some people actually criticized the Phillies’ front office for not having enough patience with Girardi, but the move to replace him with Thomson was masterful in hindsight.
Now, the Phillies rewarded him with a two-year extension after sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in the Wild Card Series.
The 2022 season has been quite a ride for Thomson and the Phillies.
Who would have thought he would win a postseason series back in June?
Baseball, as we always say, is full of pleasant surprises.
NEXT: The Phillies Release A Well-Deserved Rob Thomson Update