Ryne

Sandberg

Gelb adds that an official announcement could come during the final week of the season. It was surprising that the Phils even used the interim tag when they announced Sandberg would take over for Charlie Manuel, as it was obvious he was destined to eventually land the full-time gig. For what it’s worth, Sandberg says he hasn’t heard one way or the other. “There hasn’t been any indication or any word or anything,” Sandberg said. “No, I’m just focused on what I’m doing here and the games to be played, getting the players in there as much as I can, making up a lineup to win a baseball game. I want to win as many games as we can, finish strong, finish on a positive note, a good note, all those things.”

He was named interim manager last month after Charlie Manuel left, but the expectation all along was that he was going to land the full-time gig. Sandberg, who managed the Phillies’ Triple-A affiliate from 2011-12 before being named the big club’s third base coach last winter, has guided the team to an 18-16 record since grabbing the reins.

He officially had the interim tag removed from his title Sunday after going 18-16 since taking over for Charlie Manuel. Sandberg has a tough task ahead of him in getting the aging Phillies roster to compete in the National League East.

Billmeyer had been a coach in the Phillies since the 2000 season when he became the minor league catching coordinator. The opening creates an opportunity for new manager Ryne Sandberg to begin shaping his own coaching staff.

Chaves used to be the Mariners’ pitching coach and is currently the Dodgers’ minor league pitching coordinator. The Phillies have been turned down by a few people and, thus, are still scrambling to fill the position.

McClure previously served as the pitching coach for the Rockies, Royals, and Red Sox. His last tour of duty, under Bobby Valentine, ended in termination in August 2012 amidst the disintegrating Boston clubhouse atmosphere. Reports suggest that McClure was the leak of clubhouse details that surfaced in the media. Pete Vuckovich, Roger McDowell and Jim Benedict -- and perhaps more -- turned down the job before it was offered to McClure.

The Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon has yet to announce his plan at the position, so Willis is currently free to pursue any outside opportunities. The Phillies have already been turned down by Roger McDowell, Pete Vuckovich and Jim Benedict this offseason in their search to replace Rich Dubee.

Joyner joined the team in 2013 as an assistant to hitting coach Steve Henderson. It’s unclear if he has already secured a job with another organization. Mickey Morandini is the leading candidate to replace him as the assistant hitting coach.

The Phillies were 26-48 under Sandberg this season and 119-159 under him since he was hired in 2013. Of course, it can hardly be blamed on him given what he had to work with. Sandberg said the decision was all his, and it’s a little surprising to see him step down after he managed for six years in the minors while waiting for a chance at the major league level. Bench coach Pete Mackanin will take over as the Phillies’ interim manager.

McDowell isn’t under contract with the Braves, but sources tell Salisbury he isn’t going anywhere. As for the Phillies, McDowell was believed to be their primary target, so their search continues.