RYNO

Most fans old enough to remember know the story of Ryne Sandberg.  My 21 soon to be 22 Y/O son said to me last night "who is Ryne Sandberg" so it got me to thinking.  Ryne was my son's age when the Phillies traded him to the Cubs.  He played 13 MLB games for the Phillies and 2,164 in a 16 Year career.

I explained Ryne was Chase Utley before there was Chase Utley.  A quiet guy who played every game the right way.  A guy that lacked exceptional tools but worked his butt off to get everything out of what he had.

I imagine he won't be any different as a manager.  During his career Ryne walked at an 8% clip and struck out less than 14% of his PA's.  One might guess his philosophy and approach to the game will have street cred with the young players coming up.  Not many HOF players are talked about as being great managers but I'll say Ryne is not your ordinary HOF.  Most would say he was a tweener and compiled good but not great numbers over a long career.

Now, having said that...great managers are made by having talented players.  Ryne should make every effort to push the FO into giving him his kind of players.  Let's watch closely and pay attention to what is done not what is said.

Last night the Phillies were down 3-2 in the bottom of the 9th to the Rockies.  Kratz led off the inning with a great AB and wound up with a 2B.  Ryne went to a pinch runner and Mayberry moved him to 3B on a chopper to the right side.  Chooch came through with a double of his own.  With 1 out the Rockies walked J-Roll to set up for a double play but Michael Young walked it off with a single to left.  Just the way you draw it up if you are a manager.

I'd like to see Ryne get a 4 year contract to manage this club.  I'd like him around for a kid like J.P Crawford, Asche and Franco to learn under.