Ryne Sandberg is the Phillies' manager, with no interim qualifier, signed for the next three years.

"The goal is to get back and be a world champion," Ruben Amaro Jr. said Sunday. "I think we have a great start with Ryne Sandberg at the helm.”

 

They had a great start in 2008, but it had nothing to do with who was at the helm, but with who was at the bat rack. Ever since, the Phillies have been attempting to recreate that moment, largely with the same nucleus.

 

Even Sunday, Sandberg went down the list like a D.J. on an oldies station ... Chase, J-Roll, Cole, Cliff ... he even hinted at bringing back Carlos Ruiz.

 

For six years, Sandberg lingered in the minors, waiting for a chance to be a big-league manager. He should be a good one. He orders discipline. He takes chances. His playing record makes him instantly respected in the clubhouse.

 

But there is only one way the Phillies can win another World Series next year, and that is to change more, a lot more, than the manager.

 

Check out my column on Sandberg in the Daily Times Monday and, as always, on delcotimes.com