LIVE From Phillies Spring Training With Don Mattingly!

·23 min·2 clips

Don Mattingly explains why Philadelphia feels like home after playing his entire career in New York.

The episode features Joe Giglio hosting the WIP Midday Show live from Phillies spring training in Clearwater, Florida, with guest Don Mattingly, the Phillies' new bench coach. Mattingly opens by comparing Philadelphia's sports culture to New York, where he played his entire career, noting the high expectations and accountability. He explains his role as bringing a fresh perspective to a team that won 96 games last year, aiming to help them overcome postseason hurdles. Mattingly recounts how he nearly retired after the Blue Jays' World Series loss but was convinced to join the Phillies after calls from Dave Dombrowski and Preston, highlighting his son Louie's enthusiasm. He clarifies he doesn't plan to manage again due to the energy required, preferring his current advisory role. Mattingly delves into managerial challenges, such as bullpen management and the psychological impact of lineup decisions on players like Stott or Sosa. He praises Bryce Harper's hitting precision and defensive skills at first base, countering offseason skepticism. Mattingly evaluates other Phillies players, including Stott, Marsh, Turner, and Schwarber, noting their strengths from an opponent's viewpoint. He discusses lineup optimization, balancing statistical models with player comfort, using examples like Guerrero's preference for the three-hole. The conversation covers rule changes, with Mattingly supporting the ABS challenge system for standardizing strike zones but preferring it over full automation. He concludes by addressing team goals, emphasizing daily preparation over explicit World Series talk, while acknowledging it as the ultimate aim. The interview wraps with Giglio welcoming Mattingly to Philadelphia.

As heard by us

Mattingly offers a bench coach's view of Harper, Philadelphia pressure, and the daily work of holding a team together.

Don Mattingly's role as Phillies bench coach gives the Clearwater conversation a clear frame: how a gifted club stays connected across a long season.

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Why you'd press play

You get Don Mattingly settling into Philadelphia, reading Bryce Harper up close, and chasing the hard part: one Phillies group moving together.

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