Phillies agree to hire Girardi
Former Yanks manager headed to Philadelphia to replace fired Kapler
The Philadelphia Phillies will get their man.
They have agreed to hire former Yankees manager Joe Girardi to replace Gabe Kapler, a person familiar with the deal said Thursday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the decision.
An announcement could come later in the day because it would not conflict with a World Series game, but an introductory news conference may not take place until next week. Major League Baseball tries to avoid such announcements during its showcase event.
It was a busy day around the league for managerial hirings. The Cubs tabbed former catcher David Ross to replace Joe Maddon, and the Padres turned to rookie manager Jayce Tingler. The Angels introduced Joe Maddon.
Kapler was fired after an injury-depleted team went 81-81 despite significant offseason additions highlighted by Bryce Harper’s arrival. He was 161-163 in his two seasons. The Phillies also interviewed Dusty Baker and Buck Showalter.
Girardi was one of the most prominent candidates to fill vacant managerial spots across baseball. He also interviewed with the Cubs and Mets.
Astros: Houston fired assistant general manager Brandon Taubman for directing inappropriate comments at female reporters following Houston’s pennantwinning victory over the Yankees last weekend. Houston made the announcement Thursday and said Taubman’s conduct did not reflect the organization’s values. “We believe this is the most appropriate course of action,” the Astros said in a statement. Taubman previously apologized for using language that was “unprofessional and inappropriate” in the clubhouse following Saturday night’s victory. Sports Illustrated reported he repeatedly yelled toward a group of female reporters about closer Roberto Osuna, who was suspended for 75 games last year for violating MLB’S domestic violence policy before being traded from Toronto to the Astros. Taubman shouted “Thank God we got Osuna!” according to SI, which said he made similar remarks several times, punctuating them with a profanity. Houston initially said SI had tried to “fabricate a story where one does not exist” and maintained Taubman’s comments weren’t directed at reporters. “Our initial investigation led us to believe that Brandon Taubman’s inappropriate comments were not directed toward any reporter. We were wrong,” the Astros said in the statement Thursday. “Subsequent interviews have revealed that Taubman’s inappropriate comments were, in fact, directed toward one or more reporters. Accordingly we have terminated Brandon Taubman’s employment with the Houston Astros.” The team apologized to the SI reporter, the magazine and people who saw the incident, and to those who were offended. “The Astros are very committed to using our voice to create awareness and support on the issue of domestic violence,” Houston said.