MacPhail taking over as Phillies president

Touting the man seated to his left as "a rare combination of both old-school experience and new-age thinking," Phillies co-owner John Middleton made a rare public appearance Monday at Citizens Bank Park to introduce Andy MacPhail as the club's new president.

MacPhail, a longtime baseball executive, will succeed Pat Gillick after the season. In the three months between his hiring and when he takes the helm, MacPhail will serve as a special assistant to Gillick while familiarizing himself with the organization and discerning the changes that will be needed.

The timing of when the leadership shift takes effect means that Gillick, 77, will be the president to preside over a crucial July 31 trade…