Dickerson officially announced as Phils' new infield coach

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Just how much can change in four months? Joe Girardi and new Phillies hitting coach Kevin Long laugh off what happened when both we’re jawing at each other from opposing dugouts in June.

The Phillies officially announced Bobby Dickerson as their new infield coach Monday morning. The appointment had been expected for a couple of weeks.

Dickerson is a familiar name returning to a familiar role in Philadelphia. He was the Phillies’ infield coach in 2019 before moving on to San Diego for two seasons. He served as the Padres’ bench coach in 2021.

Dickerson had been under contract with the Padres for 2022, but he and the rest of the San Diego coaching staff had been granted permission to look for other jobs after manager Jayce Tingler was fired earlier this month.

The Padres have not yet replaced Tingler.

Dickerson, 56, is highly regarded as an instructor of infield defense and the Phillies need significant improvement after ranking near the bottom at first base, third base and shortstop last season.

Overall, the 2021 Phillies were last in the majors with a ranking of minus-52 defensive runs saved, according to Fangraphs.

"Bobby was highly recommended by our players who worked with him in 2019, they loved him," manager Joe Girardi said. "I saw firsthand the impact he had on the Orioles' defense all those years and I believe he will be a huge addition to our staff."

Dickerson worked in player development and on the big-league staff for Baltimore for 14 seasons before coming to Philadelphia in 2019.

Dickerson joins hitting coach Kevin Long as newcomers to the Phillies' coaching staff for 2022. Long was hired earlier this month. He has previously been hitting coach for the Yankees, Mets and Nationals.

With Long and Dickerson on board, the Phillies have just one opening remaining on their staff — assistant hitting coach. Long has said he is considering several candidates for that position. Pedro Guerrero filled the role under Joe Dillon in 2020 and 2021. Dillon was let go after the season. He had previously been Long’s assistant in Washington.

Dickerson replaces Juan Castro.

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