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Phillies Add Ryne Sandberg and Others as Coaches
By Kyle Scott
Published:
No surprise here.
If you haven’t heard: Within minutes of the Phillies season ending yesterday, the team let go of first base coach Sam Perlozzo, bench coach Pete Mackanin, and hitting coach Greg Gross.
Today they announced their replacements and other changes.
Ryne Sandberg will join the team as their third base coach (and heir apparent to Charlie Manuel), though he can still interview for managerial jobs this winter. Steve Henderson will be the hitting coach (he was the Rays' hitting coach from 2006-2009). Mick Billmeyer will switch from bullpen coach to catching coach. Juan Samuel was offered to move from third base coach to first base coach, but he hasn't yet accepted. And Rod Nichols will become the bullpen coach. Their will be no bench coach, a role that was filled by Jimmy Williams and Mackanin the past few years.
Henderson and Nichols worked in the Phillies minor league system last year.
This offseason is going to be fun.
Kyle Scott is the founder and editor of CrossingBroad.com. He has written for CBS Philly and Philly Voice, and been a panelist or contributor on NBC Sports Philly, FOX 29 and SNY TV, as well as a recurring guest on 97.5 The Fanatic, 94 WIP, 106.7 The Fan and other stations. He has more than 10 years experience running digital media properties and in online advertising and marketing.