"Philosophical differences" as the official reason.
But... I think being out of it less than 1/4 of the season is part of it. A miracle 17 game winning streak to make the playoffs. I think bringing in Arenado, and teaming him with Goldie, you expect better than hanging with the Cubs until after the all star break (no offense, Buzzy).
I would have been content if he ditched the hitting coaches - Maybe Mo told him to get rid of Jeff Albert, and Shildt told him no.
Arenado hit .255 with 34 HR and 105 RBI. His production and average were somewhat down overall because....geez, I dunno'....maybe he wasn't playing 81 games in Coors Field. But name one team that wouldn't kill for that in the lineup. Forget that he's badass at the hot corner.
Goldy was spot on with his career average and production. .294 with 31 and 99. The man earned his $$$. Again, looking at it from the outside, other than those two, there was nothing about that lineup that struck fear in anyone. At least not going into the season. Molina is still the best back stop in the game, but let's face it, he and Matt Carpenter and Waino and Lester are a combined 853 years old. Obviously, Wainwright exceeded all expectations.
I guess my point is, I was amazed at the job Schlitz did. As you said, it may be the reported "philosophical differences". But from a managerial standpoint, fuck that.