MLB rumors: 3 ex-Yankees coaches on Phillies’ short list of candidates to replace Joe Girardi

The Philadelphia Phillies fired former New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi on Friday. Bench coach Rob Thomson was named the club's interim manager.
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The ties that bind.

The Philadelphia Phillies fired former New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi Friday and named ex-Yankees coach Rob Thomson the club’s interim skipper.

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According to The Athletic, Thomson is one of three former Yankees coaches who could find themselves on the Phillies’ short list when the club begins its search for a full-time manager.

Rob Thomson (with the Yankees from 1990 to 2017): What if the Phillies turn this thing around? How could Thomson not be a legit candidate in that event?

Thomson spent spent 10 seasons on Girardi’s staff with the Yankees, serving as as bench coach (2008, 2015-17) and third base coach (2009-14).

Kevin Long (with the Yankees from 2004 to 2014): Long has never managed before but nearly got the Mets job that ultimately went to Mickey Callaway. ... Players love Long and he signed a two-year contract before this season so he could be in Philly in some capacity regardless.

Long served as hitting coach for eight seasons with the Yankees (2007-14), where he worked under Girardi for seven years (2008-14).

Joe Espada (with the Yankees from 2014 to 2017): The Astros bench coach has been a bridesmaid so many times it’s hard to believe no club has walked down the aisle with him. A finalist for the Mets job this offseason who has interviewed for numerous vacant managerial positions, Espada is the glue that holds the Astros together.

Espada was special assistant to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman in 2014. He was instrumental in the scouting process that helped the Yankees decide to acquire shortstop Didi Gregorius when Derek Jeter retired. From 2015-17, Espada was the Yankees’ third base coach for Girardi.

Other potential candidates for the Phillies, according to The Athletic, include ex-MLB skippers Joe Maddon, Mike Scioscia and Brad Ausmus.

MORE MLB:

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- N.J.’s Mike Trout injured in Phil Nevin’s debut as Angels interim manager

- Yankees announcer John Sterling explains decision to scale back workload at WFAN

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Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com.

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