Yankees Legend Looks Like Phillies’ First Choice To Replace Rob Thomson

Philadelphia Phillies’ Rob Thomson Delivers ‘Frustrated’ Message After Atlanta Braves Sweep

Thomson offered a more defensive tone than he has so far this season when he addressed the team’s struggles after Sunday’s loss.

“Everybody’s frustrated,” Thomson told reporters, according to a postgame video shared by On Pattison. “I’m telling you — nobody is complacent, everybody’s working their tails off. Nobody’s happy.”

According to Rosenthal, at least, the only thing that can guarantee Thomson’s future for the rest of the season is an improvement in the standings. Without one, the team does seem to have a clear replacement candidate already in the dugout.

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Phillies bench coach Don Mattingly served as the Toronto Blue Jays bench coach during their World Series run last year and appeared to have a positive impact on the team’s standout batting order. But shortly after the Blue Jays lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in extra innings of Game 7, Mattingly stepped down and then after a brief interval joined the Phillies as the bench coach.

Mattingly coached alongside Thomson for the New York Yankees and his son Preston works in the Phillies’ front office. But even though that family connection helped bring the six-time New York Yankees All-Star first baseman to Philadelphia, Rosenthal noted that it might be an obstacle in Mattingly replacing Thomson.

“It’s not known whether Mattingly would want the job,” Rosenthal added. “His son Preston is the Phillies’ GM, creating a potentially awkward situation. Thomson’s staff includes other possible replacements, starting with third-base coach Dusty Wathan.”

If and when the Phillies determine that they could lose the chance to compete for a World Series with Thomson, it looks like Mattingly would be the team’s first choice as a replacement. But Mattingly might prefer to stay out of direct conversations about the team’s personnel with his son.

Either way, Thomson might have to do more than change his tone if the Phillies can’t snap their losing streak.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com