Ryne Sandberg among three coaches added to Phillies staff
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Ryne Sandberg among three coaches added to Phillies staff
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
Ryne Sandberg, the Hall of Famer viewed as a potential successor to Charlie Manuel, was added to the Phillies coaching staff Thursday. Sandberg wil serve as Manuel's third-base coach and infield instructor in 2013.
He was among a plethora of changes announced. Only pitching coach Rich Dubee will remain in his 2012 role. The team will not have a bench coach next season.
Two others from the minor-league system were promoted. Steve Henderson, the organization's roving hitting instructor, was named hitting coach. Rod Nichols, who served as pitching coach at triple-A Lehigh Valley, was named bullpen coach.
Mick Billmeyer was "promoted" to catching coach, the Phillies said. Billmeyer is the longest-tenured member of Manuel's staff. He served as bullpen coach for the last four seasons and was major-league catching instructor for five seaons before that.
Juan Samuel was offered the first-base coach job and has yet to accept.
The Phillies did not retain three coaches -- Sam Perlozzo, Pete Mackanin and Greg Gross -- immediately following the conclusion of Wednesday's last game.
Finding a spot for Sandberg was paramount. Manuel has one season remaining on his contract and could retire after 2013. The franchise's decision-makers have an affinity for Sandberg, who managed at triple-A Lehigh Valley for the last two seasons.
Sandberg, of course, could still interview for managerial openings this winter. He interviewed with St. Louis last winter for its job.
Henderson, 61, was formerly hitting coach for Tampa Bay from 2006-09. He spent the last two seasons as the Phillies minor-league hitting coordinator.
Nichols, 47, mentored many of the young pitchers who have come through the Phillies system. With another young bullpen expected, Nichols could be instrumental in overseeing its development.
It's uncommon for teams to have a staff without a bench coach; Detroit was the only team in 2012 that did not retain one. But Manuel has long trusted Dubee as his righthand man. Billmeyer, now in the dugout, could ascend to a higher role.
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Brilliant moves. Nichols a great addition. Kudos to RAJ— WFChamps- Please tell me you are being sarcastic. Kudos to Rube-the-Boob?!? For what? It's his fault that Davy Lopes and Jimy Williams aren't here. Not to mention the scouting director that just upped and quit. Uncle Charlie is now a joke. Ryan Seacrest may as well be managing the Phillies. — Copper34
- You guys remember what Charlie was like before he had a bench coach? Yeah, it was ugly. Mismanagement all over the place. Sandberg will be asked to be a savior.
- Manuel always had a bench coach since he's been here. What are you talking about. — mike l
- These are very good moves. Great to add Rod Nichols along with Ryno. No more Sammy at 3B. It also frees up Billmeyer to polish his binocular skills.— dasher
- Looks like Charlie and Dubes could go by the Allstar break and they move Sandberg and his guy right in if the team is struggling.— Sidewinder7
- Excellent news! Welcome Ryno!!!!— BobbyD
- I hope that means they have Sandberg locked up for manager in 2014. Nichols will be his pitching coach. Glad they got Sammy off of third base. BUT...Who is going to help Charlie make the moves in the dugout? They can't leave him alone to do double switches, etc.— SEEK313
- Instead of having runners thrown at home they will be out at 2nd base.— HappyBob
- This comment has been deleted.— CoettaGarner25
- Almost certain that Manuel and Dubee will be fired by the All-Star break if the Phillies get off to a slow start next season, leaving Sandberg with the right to name his bench coach. Better believe that the younger players will gravitate toward Sandberg. I still am not convinced that having Manuel and Dubee's successors in place is a better idea than firing Manuel and Dubee now, as the team will almost certainly divide allegiances.— chuckw
- Good moves overall; step in the right direction.— JBinPA
- This is a good news as the Phillies are able to obtain Ryno. I think this coaching staff fell into place perfectly and it looks as though this will be a huge strength going into next season...maybe one of the best staffs in the league.— Reality Speaks
- Obvious that the Sandberg move was for 2014 as much as it was for 2013. I'm a Charlie fan but it's gotta be getting hard for him at his age. I hope the Phils give him a ring in his last season!— vafan
