Ryne Sandberg will be sticking around for the next three seasons, possibly more.
The Phillies removed the interim tag from Sandberg’s title, giving him a three-year contract with a fourth-year team option. It is Sandberg’s first managerial job in the major leagues after spending several years working his way up through the minors within the Cubs and Phillies system.
Sandberg, 53, was named interim manager of the Phillies on August 16. Since then, the team has posted an 18-16 (.529) record. He began the 2013 season as the Phillies third base coach. This year is his third in the Phillies organization, having served the first two as the manager for triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he went 155-132 (.540) and led the team to their first playoff appearance.
It’s the move we all saw coming. Some were wondering whether Mike Scoscia could be a fit in Philadelphia should he be let go by the struggling Angels, but you can toss that one out the window. Sandberg has earned his keep and will be given an opportunity to lead a group of up and comers he taught during his time with Lehigh Valley.
