Ousted Phillies Manager Joe Girardi has found himself a new gig, as the Chicago Cubs announced he will join their TV broadcast team for two series this season. It’s a homecoming for the Illinois native, who went to the All-Star Game in 2000 wearing a Cubs uniform.
Girardi’s three seasons in Philadelphia didn’t go quite as planned, as the team was utterly mediocre under his tutelage, posting an overall 132-141 record. Despite having high-profile stars like Bryce Harper, Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler and J.T. Realmuto on the roster, the team failed to make a playoff appearance.
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Making matters worse for Girardi’s legacy, a Phillies team that looked dead in the water at 22-29 at the time of his firing has completely turned around under Interim Manager Rob Thomson. The 59-year-old Canadian has them looking like an entirely different ballclub, streaking to a 43-23 mark during his reign, and sitting in a playoff spot.
Girardi’s tough-as-nails approach didn’t seem to click with players or fans, and the more soft spoken Thomson has had much more success at the helm. For the former World Series champion Girardi, his managing days may be over, but he’s certainly not out of the game completely.