Phillies president says GM Ruben Amaro Jr.'s job is safe
Philadelphia Phillies president David Montgomery said Tuesday that general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is "not on the hot seat," according to MLB.com.
Montgomery made the comment to a group of fans at the Phillies' Baseball 101 Clinic and Luncheon for Women at Citizens Bank Park.
Amaro Jr. has come under fire for Philadelphia's increasing struggles in recent years. Since winning 102 games in 2011, the last time the team made the playoffs, the Phillies slipped to 81-81 in 2012 and 73-89 in 2013. This season, the Phillies are currently 55-71 and in last place in the National League East.
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The team's core everyday players — first baseman Ryan Howard, shortstop Jimmy Rollins and second baseman Chase Utley — are all 34 or older and have struggled with injuries. Some have called for Amaro to rebuild by trading or releasing some of the Phillies' declining veterans, but Amaro has largely withheld from any major moves.
Amaro, 49, has been the team's general manager since 2009. Philadelphia has gone 501-435 during his tenure.
- Ben Estes
