Former A's star Chase Utley named as club's new manager

Post date: Jan 2, 2019 8:14:17 PM

Utley replaces Buck Showalter, who retired after leading A's to the WFBL championship

In a move that was anticipated for more than a month, the Philadelphia Athletics changed skippers this afternoon. The team formally announced that Buck Showalter has retired in the aftermath of guiding the club to the 2018 WFBL Championship.

Former A's team captain Chase Utley was named as the new manager in a move that was also not much of a surprise. From the time that Showalter signalled he would be retiring back in early August, Utley was rumored to be the front-runner for the position.

During the press conference, Utley responded to a question regarding the difference between playing and managing:

"There's a huge difference in that you have to worry about 25 guys, sometimes more. You have to know what's going on in their lives, how they feel physically, where they are mentally and emotionally each day. As a player, usually you just make sure that you're prepared as an individual and then go out and do your own job the best that you can to help the team."

Asked about the current and prospective A's roster and his familiarity with it, Utley responded:

"I know these guys very well, having played against them over the last few years. And being here for a week earlier this season was really helpful. (Utley was briefly signed by the A's back in April.) Even in that short time, it allowed me the opportunity to get to know a few of them a little better. They're champions now. That's huge. It brings a ton of confidence. I expect we'll be even better moving forward because of it. Health means a lot each year. But given that, we expect to be among the favorites again next year."

On his relationship with GM Matt Veasey, and on the exiting Showalter:

"Matt is excellent. He's been the GM here since the beginning. The record speaks for itself. He's always going to be working to keep us on top. You reallyl can't ask for more than that. And Buck was our manager back with the '08 team. Nobody knows the game better than him. I look at him as a mentor, and I'll definitely be reaching out to him for advice as we get into this."

On the coaching staff for next season:

"I have some ideas. I'm sure we'll keep guys who are here. I also have a couple of guys who I'd like to see if they'd join me on the staff. There's time for that, and I'm going to take my time over the next few weeks."

Utley was the Athletics starting second baseman from 2005-2010, and also returned for the 2014 season. He served as the team captain from 2006-10, including with the 2008 WFBL Championship team.

The first multi-time honoree of the organizational Jimmy Foxx Award, Utley took home those honors as the A's Offensive Player of the Year in 2006-07 and again in the 2009 season.

"Chase exhibits all of the qualities that any team could ask for in a manager. He knows the game inside and out at a gut level, and is also open to and understands analytical developments. And importantly, he has the respect of his peers," said Veasey.

Utley is second on the Athletics all-time career leader boards in Hits, Runs, and RBI. He is fourth all-time in Home Runs, and sixth among the club's Steals leaders.