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.