Charlie

Manuel

It’s the logical move, as Sandberg managed the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate from 2011-12 before taking over as the third base coach for the big league club this season. The Hall of Famer has interviewed for other big league managerial posts in the past and was named Minor League Manager of the Year by Baseball America in 2011. He’ll have a challenge ahead with much of the players on the Phillies’ roster past their prime.

Although general manager Ruben Amaro is keeping his job even though he’s to blame for the state of the Phillies’ roster, it was probably time to make a change at manager, too. There’s no doubt that Manuel had good times in Philly, though, going 780-636 with five first-place finishes, a 2009 National League Pennant and a 2008 World Championship. Third base coach Ryne Sandberg is taking over the job on an interim basis but seems likely to get the full-time job eventually. Manuel has been offered a job in the organization but hasn’t decided if he’ll accept it.

The Phillies scheduled a news conference for 2:30 ET Friday but didn’t reveal the nature of it. However, Salisbury and others are hearing that Manuel is on the outs. He’s presumably being fired, though given that he’ll turn 70 before next season, it’s possible he might be stepping down and moving on to something else. We’ll know for sure shortly.

This confirms a report from Brian Startare from 97.5 The Fanatic. Manuel was fired by the Phillies last August after posting a 780-636 record over nine seasons as manager, but GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. made no secret of the fact that he wanted to keep him in the organization. It’s no surprise to see him return, as Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported last month that Manuel was expected to take the Phillies up on their offer.