OCT. 16 -- COACHING CAROUSEL

The Phillies just made the following announcement on their 2007 coaching staff. Interesting additions, don't you think? All of you Charlie Manuel bashers out there now have three potential successors to consider.

And, remember this: Jimy Williams worked as a manager for Pat Gillick in Toronto. Something to chew on.

Check tomorrow's paper for more details.

By SCOTT LAUBER
The News Journal
PHILADELPHIA -- Three former major-league managers will join the Phillies coaching staff in 2007.
Art Howe, Davey Lopes and Jimy Williams were hired today to assist manager Charlie Manuel, the team announced. Howe will be the third-base and infielders coach, Lopes will be the first-base, outfielders and baserunning coach and Williams will serve as the bench coach.
Each signed a one-year contract. Manuel has only one season remaining on his three-year contract.
“We’ve added three guys with a tremendous amount of experience,” said Manuel. “I expect them to have a very positive effect on our team.”
Howe, 59, will be back in uniform for the first time since 2004, his final season as manager of the New York Mets. In two seasons with the Mets, he led them to a 137-186 record from 2003 through 2004.
For Howe, it marks his third stint as a major league coach. He served as first base, third base and dugout coach for the Rangers, 1985-88, and was the Rockies’ hitting instructor in 1995. He owns a career managerial record of 1,129-1,137 (.498) with the Astros (1989-93), Oakland Athletics (1996-2002) and Mets (2003-04).
A veteran of 11 major league seasons as a player, Howe batted .260 with a combined 43 home runs for the Pirates (1974-75), Astros (1976-82) and Cardinals (1984-85). Defensively, he appeared at first base, second base, third base and shortstop during his career.
Lopes, 61, will reprise the coaching roles he held last season with the Washington Nationals. Under his supervision, Washington had 123 stolen bases, tied for fourth-most in the National League.
He spent parts of three seasons managing the Milwaukee Brewers, finishing with a record of 144-195 (.425) from 2000 through 2002. Lopes also had two separate stints as a coach for the San Diego Padres (1995-99 and 2003-2005) and coached for the Baltimore Orioles (1992-94) and Texas Rangers (1988-91).
As a player, Lopes was a four-time All-Star and a Gold Glove-winning second baseman during 16 seasons in the majors with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1972-81), A’s (1982-84), Chicago Cubs (1984-86) and Astros (1986-87). He finished his career with a .263 average, 155 home runs, 614 RBI, 1,023 runs scored and 557 stolen bases and played in four World Series. He was a member of the 1981 World Champion Dodgers.
Williams, 63, returns to the majors as a coach for the first time since 1996. Williams also will coordinate spring training. Since his stint as the Braves’ third base coach (1990-96), Williams managed the Boston Red Sox (1997-2001) and Astros (2002-2004). He also managed the Blue Jays from 1986 through 1989 while Phillies general manager Pat Gillick was Toronto's GM. His combined managing record stands at 910-790 (.535).
They will be replacing former bench coach Gary Varsho, first-base coach Marc Bombard and third-base coach Bill Dancy, who were dismissed after the season ended two weeks ago.
Pitching coach Rich Dubee, bullpen coach Ramon Henderson, hitting coach Milt Thompson and catching instructor Mick Billmeyer had their contracts extended for one more season.
Contact Scott Lauber at slauber@delawareonline.com.
Complete coverage in Tuesday's News Journal and at www.delawareonline.com.