Two weeks ago we heard that the Philadelphia Phillies would be interviewing Jim Benedict, who is currently a special advisor to Neal Huntington, and has played a key role working with pitchers like Charlie Morton and Gerrit Cole.
Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly hears that Benedict impressed team officials in his interview (h/t RumBunter). Salisbury listed several other candidates who have received interviews, but none of them came with good reports. Here is the list of players the Phillies have pursued and the status, via Salisbury:
Roger McDowell – Decided to remain with Atlanta on a two year extension
Bryan Price – Hired by the Reds
Pete Vuckovich – Removed his name from consideration
Rod Nichols – The Phillies’ 2013 bullpen coach. No status given.
Ray Burris – The Phillies’ 2013 Triple-A pitching coach. No status given.
Reid Cornelius – Miami’s bullpen coach was interviewed, but is no longer under consideration.
Neil Allen – Tampa Bay’s Triple-A pitching coach, also no longer under consideration.
Based on that list, it looks like Benedict is the front runner. However, Salisbury notes that Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has been tight-lipped in his search, and it is unknown if he will interview other candidates. So it’s possible that there are more names who are still in the running, and more names still to get an interview.
All you need to do is look at Benedict’s track record to see that it would be a loss for the Pirates and a win for the Phillies if he was hired.
