In an unsurprising move, the Phillies fired Gabe Kapler Thursday morning after just two seasons. He led the Phillies to a mediocre record of 161-163 over that time, as the big-spending Phils failed to live up to the lofty expectations placed on them by many fans.

 From the beginning, Kapler’s managerial inexperience was evident. During his debut game on 2018 Opening Day, he pulled star pitcher Aaron Nola out of the game with a 5-0 lead late in the game. Questionable decisions similar to this plagued Kapler’s tenure as the 54th manager in franchise history.

  The decision to fire Kapler was made by Phillies managing partner John Middleton, following discussions with many players and team personnel over the past couple of weeks.

  The leading candidate to replace Kapler is speculated to be former Yankees and Orioles manager Buck Showalter, who has worked with President Andy MacPhail and General Manager Matt Klentak in the past. Other names linked to the vacancy include Joe Maddon, Joe Girardi, and John Farrell. With an unprecedented eight managerial openings around the MLB, the competition will be stiff for the Phillies to find a prime candidate.

  If the Phillies wish to continue to “be bold” as they have promised for multiple years, they’ll have to do so under a new skipper.