Phillies let three coaches go after DC finale
Perlozzo, Mackanin, Gross will not have contracts renewed for 2013
The Phillies announced their first moves following Wednesday's season finale at Nationals Park, where they informed bench coach Pete Mackanin, hitting coach Greg Gross and first-base coach Sam Perlozzo they will not be back in 2013.
"I think when you want to do some things, people on your staff, most of the time they're the ones that have to be let go or moved or whatever," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel explained. "I think that's just the position it's in."
Mackanin replaced Jimy Williams as bench coach following the 2008 season. Perlozzo replaced third-base coach Steve Smith following the 2008 season before moving to first base in 2011. Gross, who served two tours as the Phillies' hitting coach, rejoined the team in July 2010, when the Phillies dismissed Milt Thompson.
It is expected that Triple-A Lehigh Valley manager Ryne Sandberg will join the coaching staff in 2013, unless he takes a big league managing job elsewhere.
The coaching staff changes will only lead to more significant changes on the 25-man roster.
"We're definitely going to have some changes on our roster," Manuel said. "How many or what, I really don't know. From talking to [general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.], we're going to try to get better and get back to compete, win our division and have a chance at the World Series."