NASHVILLE - Pete Mackanin's fine handwriting - steeped in his education in the Catholic schools of Chicago's South Side - will return next season to Phillies lineup cards.
The manager will not just be simply stroking his calligraphy pen. He will also have full control over who plays and who does not. Dictated lineups, or at least lineups with front-office influence, seem to be a growing trend across baseball. General manager Matt Klentak said that will not be the case with the Phillies.
"He's in charge of the clubhouse. He's in charge of the players. For his credibility, that has to be the way it is," Klentak said.