Phillies Nation

From the Horse’s Mouth

Posted by Brian Michael, Fri, October 28, 2005 09:52 PM

Dear Phillies Fan:
Late this afternoon, a conference call with the media was held to update them on the search for a new General Manager. I wanted to take this opportunity to give you a summary of the conference call.

During the past two weeks, more than 40 candidates have either been identified by us or have directly or indirectly expressed interest in the position. After reviewing and evaluating this list, we have selected a group of individuals for one-on-one interviews.

Thus far, I have conducted three interviews: Mike Arbuckle, our Assistant GM, Scouting & Player Development, on Wednesday; Gerry Hunsicker, former GM of the Houston Astros, on Thursday and Pat Gillick, former GM of the Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners and the current Special Consultant in Seattle, today.

I expect to continue this process through the weekend, including interviewing Ruben Amaro, Jr. on Sunday, followed by one or two more interviews early next week and more, if necessary, with the hopes of identifying our new GM as soon as possible. As I’ve indicated, getting the right person is of the utmost importance.

On another matter, a question arose concerning the dimensions of Citizens Bank Park. We have always wanted to have a ballpark that plays fair. After extensive study and charting every home run the past two seasons, we have decided to make changes to the existing left field wall. Details on this project will be forthcoming.

As always, thank you for your interest in the Phillies.

Sincerely,
David Montgomery

Well, there you have it Monsieur Montgomery has confirmed most of our earlier suspicions on both fronts.  The value added, however, was his claim that the GM selection will come as soon as possible.  The Sunday interview with Ruben shows they’re even willing to work weekends.  I guess that’s cause with Halloween on Monday they’re afraid Ruben might be disguised as a legitimate candidate.  Thus, with at least two more interviews scheduled, I wouldn’t expect a decision for at least another 10 days.

To make things easier, Theo Epstein will probably be staying with the Red Sox.  Despite their recent falling out over management chain of command and bumpy negotiation process, Red Sox GM Theo Epstein and president Larry Lucchino released this joint statement the other day:

“We had a meeting over lunch today to continue our discussions and to conduct other business as well. We made progress, but we anticipate no further statement until there is something to announce. We are hopeful that these discussions will work out for the best. In the meantime, we continue ‘business as usual.’”

Most of the talk about Theo being unhappy with the Sox is because “Lucky” Larry is power hunger and refuses to give Theo due credit for building the current squad.  But these two guys have been together for over a decade in Baltimore, San Diego, and now Boston.  Plus the latest offer of $1.2 million over 3 years is closer in line to Theo’s $1.5 mil asking price for the same period.  They had hoped to make an announcement on Friday; but Red Sox spokesman Glenn Geffner reported, “We’re not expecting any news today.  I wouldn’t imagine we’ll have an announcement over the weekend.”  So Red Sox fans and GM watchers will have to be content with the news of no news at least until Monday.  Though I think the deal will get done, we won’t cross Theo off the list just yet.  Remember, David Montgomery said there would be more interviews if necessary.

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