By BRIAN COSTELLO
June 18, 2008
PHILADELPHIA - Omar Minaya may have swung the ax that took Willie Randolph's job, but the Phillies were the ones who sharpened the blade last September.
Yesterday, an overhead TV in the Phillies clubhouse showed images of Randolph, and his firing was a topic of discussion. While the Phillies feel bad for Randolph, he shouldn't expect an apology from them any time soon.
"Absolutely not," manager Charlie Manuel said when asked if he feels any responsibility for Randolph's firing. "Absolutely not. If I had my way we'd have beat 'em by 20 games. This is dog eat dog."
The smell of champagne has faded but it was here at Citizens Bank Park on the final day of the season that Randolph's job status officially became shaky. The Phils beat the Nationals that day while the Mets collapsed against the Marlins giving Philly the NL East crown and the Mets an early winter.
The main cog of that Phillies run was Jimmy Rollins, whose preseason pronouncement lit the fuse for the Phils. Yesterday, Rollins said he had no reaction to the Mets news.
"It's not my team," Rollins said. "Red and white pinstripes, that's where my concern is."
There is belief by some that the managerial change might spark something in the underachieving Mets. Phillies closer Brad Lidge was a part of the 2004 Astros that won the wild card after the team fired Jimy Williams and hired Phil Garner midseason. He isn't buying the theory, though, that the games can be won by making a switch.
"I personally think it's up to the players," Lidge said. "Sometimes bringing in a different manager there can be some motivation there but ultimately no matter who you bring in the players have to go out there and get it done. Yes sometimes a new manager can trigger that, but more than likely it's going to take more than that."
The Phillies lost 3-0 to the Red Sox here last night, and the two managers expressed their sympathy for Randolph, knowing what it's like to be on the chopping block.
"I've known Willie Randolph a long time," said Manuel. "He's been in baseball a long time. He's a good baseball man. He'll be all right. The things you don't have control over, why worry about 'em? I'm sure he'll be fine."
Terry Francona was fired by the Phillies in 2000. He recounted how Ed Wade fired him before the final game of that season.
"There's no easy way to do it," Francona said. "I know [Willie], he's a great guy. I hope that he's OK . . . the hardest thing is going through it. Once it happens . . . it's been so public. I hope he doesn't take it too rough."
