Perlozzo joins Phillies’ coaching staff

Ex-O’s skipper has not yet been assigned specific role

By Ken Mandel / MLB.com

Welcome to the team, Sam. Hope you’ll enjoy the experience.

PHILADELPHIA — Moving quickly to fill one of two coaching vacancies, the Phillies announced the addition of Sam Perlozzo to the team’s staff on Thursday.

Perlozzo hasn’t been assigned a specific coaching position from among third-base coach or bench coach, where Steve Smith (dismissed) and Jimy Williams (declined to return), respectively, worked for the past two seasons.

Regardless, the former infielder will handle infield instruction. Perlozzo spent last season as Seattle’s third-base coach after 12 years with Baltimore as a third-base coach (1996-2000), bench coach (2001-05) and manager (2005-07). Before landing with the Orioles, Perlozzo coached third for the Mariners (1993-95), the Reds (1990-92) and the Mets (1987-89).

“I’ve known Sammy for a long time and couldn’t be happier to add someone with his experience to our coaching staff,” manager Charlie Manuel said in a statement.

Perlozzo was a five-time fielding champion in nine Minor League seasons, as well as for the Yakult Swallows in Japan in 1980, the same season Manuel hit 48 home runs for the Kintetsu Buffaloes.

Perlozzo’s role depends on who fills the other coaching vacancy. That could be someone else with managerial experience. Former big league skippers Jim Tracy, Grady Little and Terry Collins have emerged as candidates, according to a person familiar with the Phillies’ thinking. (H/T Phillies.com)

Once again, welcome to the team, Sam. Hopefully you’ll soon know which position you’ll be filling in.