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Happy Friday, all! Let’s get right to the news.
The reviews are in on Pete Mackanin’s extension
Manager Pete Mackanin was extended yesterday, and the various beat writers have weighed in. And across the board, everyone is happy with it. Here are a few takes to satisfy your need for Pete Mackanin validation.
- Stephen Gross at The Morning Call thinks the extension was wise.
- Corey Seidman at CSNPhilly had good things to say about it
- Meghan Montemurro at The News Journal think it was the right decision.
And obviously Matt Klentak is on board.
GM Matt Klentak was very assertive in his belief that Pete Mackanin can manage the #Phillies next contending team pic.twitter.com/UF2hXzSAUv
— Ben Harris (@byBenHarris) May 11, 2017
Our own Paul Boyé wrote up the extension as it happened, and then John Stolnis asked the vital question: is Pete Mackanin the Phillies’ long term manager of the future?
Vital Aaron Nola update
Aaron Nola made his first rehab start on Wednesday, and it went well, but he didn’t throw a ton of pitches. (Just 52.) Matt Gelb of Philly.com said that Nola is likely to make one more start, and he got that info directly from shadowy figure Matt Klentak, the GM who is rarely seen in the sunlight, except for yesterday when he was everywhere for a few hours.
Joaquin Benoit and Pete Mackanin clear the air
After Joaquin Benoit’s pointed comments about the bullpen on Wednesday, Mackanin talked to him and the two of them came to an understanding. Here’s what he said, courtesy of CSNPhilly.
"I told him, I said, 'Look it, when a team's going through a losing streak I don't expect everybody to be happy,'" Mackanin said. "In fact, I expect everybody to be frustrated — from the players to the coaches to myself, nobody's happy. So I don't have an issue with that. I spoke to him and it's done with, it's all over."
I might have issues with Mack’s bullpen management, but his comments to Benoit, and his willingness to talk about them, are why he’s a good manager. You can watch Matt Klentak talk about the bullpen (and more) here.
Phillies strike out ALS
The Phillies Phestival was yesterday, and the Phillies raised quite a lot of money to support ALS research.
Thank you to everyone involved for yet another incredible Phillies Phestival --
— Phillies (@Phillies) May 12, 2017
Our event tonight raised $656,500 to help #StrikeOutALS! pic.twitter.com/V9C3AQCMFb
So to close out the week, let’s look at some tweets from the Phestival.
Odubel Herrera is adorable.
@Phillies It was so much fun. My daughter was in heaven! pic.twitter.com/PC4FyqZxN2
— Anthony Thornhill (@AnthonyThornhi1) May 12, 2017
Cameron Rupp is such an outgoing dude.
Tonight’s Phillies Phestival Raises $656,500 to #StrikeOutALS #phillies have raised nearly $17.7M over the years pic.twitter.com/lfQlFxa0Xq
— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) May 11, 2017
This young woman got a lot of photos with awesome dudes.
Thank you @Phillies!!!! #StrikeOutALS #PhilliesPhestival pic.twitter.com/lKaqyySRsJ
— Gab Scenna (@GabriellaScenna) May 11, 2017
These pictures are very bright and colorful!
All smiles here at the Phillies Phestival! #StrikeOutALS pic.twitter.com/lZ8cPZtaxC
— Phillies (@Phillies) May 11, 2017
Tweet of the day
I just really love this so much. Learning about sports is hard, especially when you’re older. And it warms my heart that someone so willing to learn managed to connect with someone so willing to teach.
I've been teaching this older lady that I work with about basketball and she comes back everyday with notes and questions pic.twitter.com/gIegwIM2j7
— Mo'Money (@MoMoney808) May 11, 2017