The Philadelphia Phillies were kind of a mess in early June, when they fired longtime manager Joe Girardi.
The team wasn’t necessarily bad, but it wasn’t playing like the front office and the ownership envisioned and were forced to make a change at the helm.
They promoted internal coach Rob Thomson and he took over a team with significant question marks.
A few weeks later, Thomson lost Bryce Harper, his star player, with a fractured thumb for some time.
Regardless of the obstacles, Thomson not only helped the Phillies turn things around, but he also won his first playoff series with a clean sweep.
Yes: Thomson’s Phillies swept the NL Central champions, the St. Louis Cardinals, while playing on the road.
Thomson Earned An Extension With Excellent Managing Skills
That was incredibly impressive.
His excellent performance and leadership in the clubhouse and the dugout has forced the Phillies to reward him with a cool long-term deal.
“The Phillies have signed manager Rob Thomson to a two-year contract for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, President of Baseball Operations David Dombrowski announced today,” the team announced.
The Phillies have signed manager Rob Thomson to a two-year contract for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, President of Baseball Operations David Dombrowski announced today. pic.twitter.com/fUyPgFIdgY
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 10, 2022
It’s a nice way to acknowledge and recognize the incredibly valuable dugout presence of Thomson.
As a manager, the former MLB player accumulated a solid 65-46 regular season record, with a very good .586 winning percentage.
Things will get much, much tougher for the Phillies from now on, as they will face the reigning World champions, the Atlanta Braves, in the next round.
And, if the Phillies are somehow able to escape that series, the winner of the Los Angeles Dodgers – San Diego Padres series awaits.
Philadelphia saw enough in Thomson to sign him for the long-term: let’s see what his team and himself can do against tougher competition.
NEXT: The Phillies' Pitching Continues To Shine