In what can only be described as unexpected news, Ken Rosenthal and every other beat writer reported on Friday afternoon that the Phillies have fired manager Pete Mackanin.
#Phillies announce that Pete Mackanin will NOT manage team in 2018. Will serve as special assistant to GM in ’18 and beyond.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) September 29, 2017
Phillies say Mackanin will finish season as manager. He agreed to contract extension to serve as Special Assistant to GM for 2018 and beyond
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) September 29, 2017
I put those tweets there just so you’d believe me, because I almost don’t believe it myself.