Davey Lopes, the first-base coach for the Phillies, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and will have surgery later this month in Clearwater. This sad news came after routine check-ups for the whole coaching staff. He is expected to miss six weeks and will be relieved by Jerry Martin, a minor-league outfield/baserunning coach, until he can return. Though optimistic, Charlie Manuel noted that the situation was still "very serious."
This news helps explain why Mike Schmidt coached first for a few games this pre-season. While Schmidty is no stranger to Clearwater and frequently fills in here or there during the pre-season, his presence seems to have stepped up as he spent hours of one-on-one time with young third-basemen Pedro Feliz in addition to his duties at first.
It is absurd and insensitive to think that Mike Schmidt could relieve Lopes this season, but I think it is interesting to imagine a Phillies organization with Schmidt around more. I believe he is just the kind of classic player that our young team could be inspired by.
Its possible.
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