Kapler: I’ll rip Phillies publicly
Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said he intends to be more publicly critical of his players in his second season after his team’s late fade in 2018.
The Phillies led the National League East in early August, then went 16-33 and wound up with their sixth consecutive losing record at 80-82.
‘‘One thing that I can do immediately that I think will really resonate well with our fans in Philadelphia is . . . I can be a little more assertive in illuminating the things that we need to work on,’’ Kapler said Monday at the winter meetings in Las Vegas. ‘‘I do think that our fans demand that we hold [players] accountable.
‘‘I think I’ve shared and demonstrated to our fans that I do that behind closed doors. And I think that many of them would like to see me create that really high bar publicly. And I’m committed to doing that.’’
The Indians reportedly are in talks with several teams, including the Dodgers, about trading two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber.
Multiple outlets reported the Royals and former Reds outfielder Billy Hamilton agreed to terms on a $5.25 million contract for next season, pending the results of a physical.
The Tigers and right-hander Tyson Ross agreed to a one-year, $5.75 million contract. Ross went a combined 8-9 with a 4.15 ERA for the Padres and Cardinals last season.