The Phillies on Friday agreed to a new two-year contract with manager Pete Mackanin that runs through the 2017 season. The deal includes a club option for 2018.
Mackanin had previously been working under a contract that expired after the 2016 season, which would have made him a lame-duck manager in his first full year. That previous deal included a 2017 club option.
Now, Mackanin has some security. The front office apparently likes what it has seen from him as a teacher and developer of young talent. Mackanin has an easygoing demeanor that creates a looser clubhouse vibe than the Phillies had the last few years under Ryne Sandberg.
The Phillies are 14-7-2 in spring training and open the season April 4 in Cincinnati.