Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has some thoughts on whether fans should expect a third straight trip to the World Series.
“I’m ready” to get back out there and try, said Charlie.
But, before we got his thoughts on the Fall Classic, Charlie wanted talk about his new-found vigor and status as a weight-loss celebrity.
Charlie Manuel credits the Nutrisystem diet program, along with exercise, for helping him lose almost 60 pounds.
The weight-loss program made Manuel feel better and got people talking about the slimmed-down skipper.
Now that he is thinner, he is feeling better and he plans to show his team a thing or two about hitting from the batter’s box this season -- even planning to step in and take a few swings during batting practice, he said.
Will it help the Phillies?
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It will give me “more time to communicate with my players,” said Manuel from his Florida home.
Manuel, a renowned “player’s manager,” already has a great relationship with his players and with a little more energy out on the practice field, it should get even better.
He's also ready to take the ribbing that will come as his players adjust to even less of their leader. The players used to get on Charlie for being heavy, last season they started getting on him for being thin.
“It’s a great conversion,” said Charlie with a laugh.
But, will the increased role of a smaller Manuel on the field translate into increased wins for his team?
Charlie seemed to think so.
Our goal is to get back to the World Series, he said.
“The (Roy) Halladay signing was huge in getting us there,” said Charlie.
So, does that mean they will win it again?
That’s the plan, Charlie said.
