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Phillies Hire Hall Of Famer Ryne Sandberg To Run AAA Team

The Phillies announced today that they've hired hall of fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg as manager of their AAA affiliate Lehigh Valley Ironpigs. Sandberg had been a candidate for the vacant manager's job of the Chicago Cubs, but they opted for interim manager Mike Quade over Sandberg. This apparently left Sandberg feeling a bit bitter... Last week, Dallas Green said that the Cubs loss could be the Phillies' gain.

"I would think he would make a great fit for us," Green said last week. "We raised him. He's been let down by Chicago a good bit. He's a little bit bitter about that. ... When he didn't get the job, I called him and commiserated with him. I knew he was disappointed. I still personally think he should be a big league guy if that's what he really wants to do.

"I love the guy. He's got a great work ethic. I haven't watched him, but I think he's going to be a good teacher."

Sandberg was actually drafted by the Phillies but traded to the Cubs in 1982. He went on to make 10 All-Star games, win nine gold gloves, and made the Hall of Fame. You certainly have to be excited by the prospect of the Phillies youngsters being taught by a Hall of Famer. Plus, if Sandberg doesn't get a big league job by the time Carlie Manuel decides to retire there's probably a decent chance that he could be in line for the Phillies' top gig.