Controversial new MLB manager getting ripped to shreds as season barely starts
When the Phillies announced Gabe Kapler as their manager in October, it was seen as a bold choice because of his limited managerial and coaching experience.
General manager Matt Klentak, however, touted Kapler’s “progressive thinking” after he was chosen over more experienced candidates, including Triple-A Lehigh Valley manager Dusty Wathan and former Red Sox skipper John Farrell.
So far, it appears “progressive thinking” has its limits.
In his first series at the helm in Philadelphia, Kapler made some moves that have Phillies fans up in arms — and MLB isn’t too happy either.
The team opened with three games in Atlanta. On Opening Day, the Phillies had a 5-0 lead in the sixth inning when Kapler took the ball from starter Aaron Nola, who had thrown only 68 pitches. The Braves scored eight runs off five relievers to win 8-5.
“Look, tonight, the decisions didn’t work out in our favor,” Kapler said. “But I’m very confident that over a long period of time that they will.”
After winning the second game, the Phillies were crushed 15-2 in the rubber match.
During the third inning of the blowout, when his starting pitcher, Vince Velasquez, was getting shelled, Kapler came out of the dugout and called for reliever Hoby Milner to come into the game.
One problem: Milner wasn’t warming up in the bullpen.
The left-hander quickly got in a few throws before the third base umpire ordered him to enter the game. Kapler was still on the mound when Milner arrived, and the reliever threw five more warmup pitches.
Braves manager Brian Snitker ran onto the field screaming about the delay and was ejected by umpire Jerry Layne.
Layne said he gave Milner the warmup pitches so the pitcher’s health wouldn’t be jeopardized. However, the umpire said the situation was “messed up” and whoever was responsible “should have to answer to Major League Baseball.”
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, MLB had no problem with Layne’s decision, but the league was sending a formal warning letter to the Phillies about the incident.
Sources: MLB determines that umpire Jerry Layne handled Phillies' pitching change in the right way, given the circumstances; the Phillies will receive a formal warning letter from MLB.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) April 1, 2018
Kapler took responsibility for a “miscommunication” involving Milner without any further explanation.
“Miscommunication between the dugout and the bullpen and any time we have a miscommunication it is my full responsibility,” he told reporters. “It’s a pretty good indication that I need to do a better job and I will. One of the things I pride myself on is being an excellent communicator … and I will continue to strive for excellence in that regard. Miscommunications are just simply unacceptable.”
In the three-game series, Kapler used a whopping 21 pitchers, including utility man Pedro Florimon, who was called upon in the 15-2 loss.
Fans were not impressed.
The #phillies manager @gabekapler had to use a position player to pitch, and it’s only 3rd game of the season. 21 pitchers in 3 games. Since Kapler wants Phils to play multiple positions maybe everyone should learn how to pitch since he already has worn out his bullpen. #itsajoke
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) April 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/fantasource/status/980298011149590528
At the bar to try the Gabe Kapler challenge: crush 8 pitchers in 4 hours. 🙏
— Inglorious Dadster……fire everyone. (@MattGrumbrecht) April 1, 2018
Gabe Kapler going to the pen 3 games into the season pic.twitter.com/q5YoWoiDUh
— baseballin' (@inthephanattic) April 1, 2018
Gabe Kapler’s UGLY 1st Series as Phillies Manager:
👎MOST Pitchers EVER Used to Start Year
👎21 Pitchers in 28 IP
👎Hoby Milner Called in before 1 Warm Up Pitch
👎Ripped by Ump/Reported to MLB
👎Pedro Florimon Pitched
👎Aaron Nola Pulled in Opener
👎OUTSCORED by 15
👎Lost 2 of 3 pic.twitter.com/uFhiwV7HKj— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) April 1, 2018
I don't think he makes it to July 4! First thing he should do is burn the analytics books!! Go with your gut and big advantages let the players be bold! Don't get in their way!!
— Joseph Vicoli (@jtja99) April 3, 2018
Phillies fans hope Kapler’s “progressive thinking” will bring better results Tuesday night when they take on the Mets in New York.
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