In 16 months, Pete Mackanin has gone from zombie interim manager to the Phillies’ potential skipper of the future. Is he any good? I mean, maybe? He’s tough on his players, hasn’t really made a bunch of glaring errors, and managed a generally talent-less team. This season is set to be a contract year for Mackanin, with the Phillies able to pick up a team option on his contract for 2018. He’d like them to do that now please.

“Well, I hope they pick it up, but that’s not up to me,” Mackanin told the media at this week’s winter meetings. “That’s up to them. I feel that when it’s time for them to let me know, they will let me know. But, in the meantime I’m not consumed by it. Hopefully it will happen, but it’s too far – it doesn’t help me thinking about it.”

Matt Klentak said there would be time to deal with contract matters before the season starts, which would be beneficial for both the Phillies and Mackanin. The Phils don’t have to worry about replacing a lame duck manager and making big improvements to the team, and Mackanin won’t have to coach for his job while relying on underwhelming players. It’s a win-win that will likely feature a ton of losses.