Fired manager Rob Thomson has no animosity toward the Phillies

the former Philadelphia Phillies Manager Rob Thomson showed no animosity toward the team or the front office, which fired him Tuesday, expressing his willingness to stay in the organization if he wanted to. He also understood why he was let go after the Phillies started the season 9-19.

“When you’re not playing well and you’re the manager of a ball club, you’re going to be held accountable and rightly so,” Thomson said in a Tuesday video conference with reporters. “I haven’t been offered anything officially, but I’m open to staying in this organization. I’ve said in my four years as a manager here, I don’t want to go anywhere else. I love this organization.”

Thomson cited winning the National League in 2022 as a highlight of his tenure, but the team did not return to the Fall Classic under him despite a high salary and a star-studded roster. And despite a bad start to the season, which now includes his layoff, he believes the Phillies can turn things around.

“I still think, and I hope, because I love these guys, that this team is going to turn this thing around, and they’re going to be hot,” Thomson said. “I have several reasons, but one is that there is a lot of talent out there.”

Thomson wasn’t sure what he’d do next, but directing again isn’t at the top of his list — at least not right now.

“I don’t expect to manage,” he said. “I’m here today. Who knows what’s going to happen six months from now. … I might watch some hockey playoffs tonight, but actually I’m going to watch us play. I really am.”

Thomson expressed little concern over the fact that over the weekend, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski reached out about the recent firing. Red Sox Manager Alex Cora to gauge his interest in the job. Thomson was fired before being notified, which happened Tuesday morning.

“I don’t really think too much of it,” Thomson told Cora about the call. “I think Dave’s doing his due diligence and he’s made up his mind and he’s going to move on. And this guy is a Hall of Fame executive. And so I think people need to trust him and he’s going to do the right thing for the organization.”

Thomson was not required to speak publicly to reporters after being fired but said he felt it was the right thing to do after being treated “fairly” during his time in Philadelphia.

“I think if you’re a responsible person and you’re a leader, you’re going to stand up to people and answer questions when it’s all over,” Thomson said. “And I just wanted to make sure I did it right.”

Thompson was asked what his immediate plans are after spending four decades in baseball.

“I’ve never spent a summer (at home) in 42 years, so I don’t really know,” Thomson replied. “Thank God my wife gave me a pool a few years ago, so maybe I’ll go swimming or something, but we’ll see.”