By Mike Gill
Steve Smith (left) - Fired.
It may seem like a minor deal, but the Phillies have told third base coach Steve Smith the waving of runners home around third is no longer needed. The Phillies announced that Smith with not be returning to the team in 2009.
His tenure in Philadelphia was an interesting one. The Phillies scored plenty of runs under his watch at the hot-corner but he recieved a lot of criticism for his several green lights he gave to runners like Pat Burrell and Ryan Howard rounding third and getting fired out at home.
Keep in mind, Smith was also responsible for coaching the infielders, espically Ryan Howard, who committed 19 errors at first base. Though the rest of the infield defense was very solid, espically Pedro Feliz and Jimmy Rollins.
Word has it that Charlie Manuel wanted to made a change since Smith was in his doghouse. I would be interested to see who the Phillies get to replace Smith here. Former third base coach Bill Dancy was fired because he too was inept. Whoever the new guy is lets hope he knows yuo can’t score Howard from second on a sinlge to left-field.
Recent Comments