Phillies make changes to coaching staff

PHILADELPHIA -- The first moves of the Phillies' offseason came shortly after they finished their 2015 season Sunday evening with a 7-2 win over the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park.

Phillies manager Pete Mackanin announced he has invited bench coach Larry Bowa, hitting coach Steve Henderson, pitching coach Bob McClure and first-base coach Juan Samuel to rejoin the coaching staff in 2016. Those four coaches have not yet made their decisions. Bullpen coach Rod Nichols and third-base coach John Mizerock will not be back. Sources said Bowa is scheduled to interview with the Marlins about their managerial vacancy.

Coach Jorge Velandia joined the coaching staff midseason. It is unclear if he will remain on the coaching staff or return to his previous role as the Phillies' special assistant to player personnel.

"It's an organizational-type thing," Mackanin said. "We feel like we need to change. We're going to look at the mix of the coaches and zero in on however we feel we can help."

Samuel said he does not want to finish his career as a first-base coach. But with Mizerock gone, Samuel could slide back to third base, where he coached for the Phillies in 2011-12.

"We're going to look at a lot of candidates and determine which is the best way for us to go," Mackanin said. "Defense and base running are important. We'll have more info on that as we look at the candidates."

Asked why Henderson and McClure have been invited to return, Mackanin said, "I like both of their passion. I think they're good with the young guys. I think we've seen some improvement with some of the guys, Freddy [Galvis], Cesar [Hernandez], even [Maikel] Franco. He's been brought along nicely. They've both had passion for what they're doing and they care about the players and their work ethic is outstanding."

Additionally, bullpen catchers Bob Stumpo and Jesus Tiamo have been asked to return.