All Ryne Sandberg ever wanted from the Cubs was a fair shake.
That never happened, so now he has shaken hands with the Philadelphia
Phillies on a deal to become their Triple-A manager for 2011.
In an expected move, Sandberg chose the Phillies over the Red Sox and Tigers,
and rejoins the organization that got his pro career started in 1978.
“When I heard the Phillies talking about family and team concept and
respect, I knew this was a perfect fit for me,'' Sandberg said. “I knew this
was the right time for me to join the Phillies.
“I really look forward to communicating with the parent club and doing
everything I can to help (Phillies manager) Charlie Manuel with any needs
they have at Triple-A, and helping his staff with anything they need.”
Sandberg apparently didn't have that communication in Chicago and looks
forward to being a part of something bigger than just one team.
“Coordinating our play with the Phillies' way of baseball, so the players
know what's expected of them at the major league level when they get there,
is important,'' Sandberg said. “That's a big part of the job at Triple-A.''
Sandberg left the Cubs after coming to the realization that he would never
get a shot at a major league job under current Cubs management.
On a conference call Monday, Sandberg was offered the chance to suggest the
process had been fair, but he bypassed that opportunity and said only that he
had been interviewed and didn't get the job.
Speaking by phone later in the afternoon, Sandberg said of his talks with the
Phillies that, “The interview process in Philly was top-notch. Very
professional, very thorough and it had a real family feel to it, like we're
all in this together. I noticed that part of it right away.''
So with this lateral move to the Triple-A club in Allentown, PA., Sandberg
gets away from a situation in which he believes he had no future, and moves
to an organization that already values his input.
And by leaving Iowa (AAA) he saves both himself and Mike Quade from having to
answer questions about the Cubs' big league managing job should the Cubs and
Quade struggle at any point in 2011.
“I didn't think it would be fair to everyone involved, from the fans to the
new manager,'' Sandberg said. “I wish Mike Quade and the ownership of the
Cubs and Cubs fans the best of luck.''
No, no mention of Cubs management there.
“This felt a lot like coming home, to go back to what I know,'' Sandberg
said of joining forces with the Phillies.
“There's a lot of people in the organization that know me well. People like
(senior advisor) Dallas Green and (GM) Ruben Amaro Jr. His dad, Ruben Sr.,
was one of my teachers and mentors when I was a young player.''
Sandberg spoke with several teams about jobs, but there was a great draw to
returning to his roots with the Phillies.
The Phillies drafted Sandberg in the 20th round in 1978, and he played at
every level of the Phillies' minor league system before his trade to the Cubs
in 1981.
“We gathered an extremely good field of candidates, but Ryne impressed us in
so many different ways,'' said Chuck LaMar, Phillies scouting and development
director. “I told him he had paid his dues, and he stopped me and said he
hadn't paid his dues at all, that it's been four years and people have spent
a lot longer than that in the minors.
“He said he's still learning and wants to learn. He's a perfect fit for us.
His communication skills are excellent and he's got a real humble approach.
“For someone who's done what he's done, accomplished what he's accomplished,
he doesn't come off as though he feels he's owed something.
“He always reminds you of all the people who helped him get to the big
leagues, and he wants to be that kind of teacher.''
LaMar said the Phillies did plenty of homework on Sandberg ahead of time.
“His work ethic stands out, watching him the last four years,'' LaMar said.
“He demands a lot from his players but they respect him and play hard for
him.
“Some guys have a knack for getting players to play hard and that was the
thing we heard about him.
“We were looking for the best baseball man we could find, not just for
Triple-A, but to add to the organization.''
Sandberg will manage the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA), who reside in
Allentown, about 75 minutes north of Philadelphia. Last season they were the
top draw in Triple-A baseball.
“I demand hustle and I demand effort and respect for the game at all
times,'' Sandberg said. “But we also have a lot of fun. You can play the
game right and have fun.
“I try to get the most out of a player's ability, and I remind them that
someone might be watching.''
Sandberg told the story of being so far down the totem pole during his minor
league years that he couldn't get off the bench in winter ball.
“But you never know when another team is watching,'' Sandberg said. “I got
traded and it worked out for me. So you play hard and maybe if it doesn't
work out here, someone else wants you.''
And Sandberg, like he was some 32 years ago, is in the Phillies organization
trying to get to the big leagues.
“I don't have a time frame,'' Sandberg said. “I take this job in Lehigh
Valley with no expectations, no guarantees, no promises. I'm grateful for
this job and I'll do the best job I can.
“If I could one day get to the majors as a coach or manager, that would be
great. That's what everyone in the minors wants and I'm no different.''
Sandberg將到厲害谷獵野豬...
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20101115/sports/711169956/