The Phillies ripped the Band-Aid off Tuesday, firing manager Rob Thomson on the heels of an abysmal 9–19 start. Weighed down by one of MLB's worst lineups by runs scored and a starting pitching staff with the worst ERA in the sport, they simply had to make a move. And unfortunately for Thomson, axing the manager was the only available button to press with trades seldom made at this time of the year.
And while Thomson isn't blameless, neither is president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski. Dombrowski has enjoyed a largely successful career as Philadelphia's chief decision-maker, as he's rebuilt the club's stagnant farm system while returning the Phillies to being perennial winners in the National League.
