Ten days after they capped a 99-loss season, the rebuilding Phillies formalized the proverbial passing of the baton from Pat Gillick to Andy MacPhail.
MacPhail took over as club president on an official basis effective Wednesday, 31/2 months after part owner John Middleton introduced him as Gillick's successor. Gillick, who had guided the organization since David Montgomery took a medical leave in August 2014, returned to an advisory role.
"As the Phillies begin this new chapter in the club's history, we are confident that Andy is the right person to lead the organization," Middleton said in a statement released by the club.