Phillies have added three all-star coaching staff to assist oft-criticized manager Charlie Manuel. ‘We’ve added three guys with a tremendous amount of experience,’ said Manuel, who enters the final season of a three-year contract. ‘I expect them to have a very positive effect on our team.’ Art Howe, Davey Lopes and Jimy Williams each signed a one-year contract to join manager Charlie Manuel’s staff.
The 63-year-old Williams have managed Toronto (1986-89), Boston (1997-2001) and Houston (2002-04), compiling a record of 910-790. He also had a stint as Atlanta’s third-base coach (1990-96). Lopes, 61, will be the first-base coach and outfield/baserunning instructor, two roles he held last season with the Washington Nationals. Lopes spent parts of three seasons managing Milwaukee (2000-02), finishing with a record of 144-195. He also had two separate stints as a coach for San Diego (1995-99 and 2003-2005), Baltimore (1992-94) and Texas (1988-91). The 59-year-old Howe will be the third-base coach and infield instructor. He managed the New York Mets (2003-04), Oakland (1996-02) and Houston (1989-93), compiling a record of 1,129-1,137. Howe served as first-base, third-base and dugout coach for Texas (1985-88) and was Colorado’s hitting instructor in 1995.
“As former managers, we all know how important it is to be on the same page,” Howe said. “Charlie’s the man and we’ll do whatever we can to help him.” Lets see, what the trio does next season.