The timing was merely coincidence, but former Cubs hitting coach John Mallee has been relieved of those same duties with the Phillies just as the Cubs come to town. As first reported by MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, Philly is turning to former manager Charlie Manuel to fill Mallee’s role through the end of the season.
The 75-year-old Manuel had been serving as an advisor to the front office after serving as the winningest skipper in club history, so he’s got more than his share of cachet. Had this been any other team at any other time, it’s unlikely you’d see anything of this sort here at Cubs Insider.