Amaro later came under fire for failing to recognize that Philadelphia’s core could no longer contend, and for failing to embrance more modern statistical analysis. He was relieved of his job as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Phillies in September.
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“I guess it is unusual”, Amaro said on a conference call of his “digression” from general manager to first base coach. Amaro moved into Philadelphia’s front office immediately after retiring as a player.
Ruben Amaro Jr., a former teammate of Boston manager John Farrell, has no prior coaching experience.
Amaro played eight seasons in the majors as an outfielder, batting. He played for the Angels, Phillies and Cleveland Indians.
Amaro took over as Philadelphia’s general manager in 2009 after more than a decade in the team’s front office, and the Phillies prospered for a few years under his guidance.
And on the day the Phillies’ new GM, Matt Klentak, was introduced at Citizens Bank Park (see story), their old GM talked to the Boston media for the first time as a member of his new organization. “And that’s the former player in you, that’s the ability to compete and impact the game on a nightly basis”. Ruben Amaro was the Phillies GM up until last month, when the team declined to renew his contract.
Arnie Beyeler was not retained as the Red Sox first-base coach for the 2016 season, which led to the opening that has now been filled by Amaro.
But for now, it’s all about scratching an itch that’s been lingering for the last 17 years. The former GM is signed with the Red Sox through the 2017 season. Taking this job as a first-base coach under John Farrell is Amaro’s way of getting his foot in the door and showing he’s serious.
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“Had it not been the Red Sox, frankly I probably would not be doing this”, Amaro said Monday.
