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Ryne Sandberg Walks The Plank
By Kyle Scott
Published:
Though judging by the brain power he’s displayed over the last couple of years, I would not be at all surprised if he just thought he was taking a nice, relaxing seaside stroll to enjoy the warm breeze.
The bow tie man himself, little tiny baby Ken Rosenthal, speculates on the participants in the upcoming Phillies firing squad, perhaps led by targeted new front office exec Andy MacPhail:
Who will fire Ryne Sandberg as Phillies manager?
Could it be Andy MacPhail, who was the Cubs’ team president when Sandberg was a Cubs Hall of Fame player?
Such questions are becoming increasingly relevant – the Phillies have dropped eight straight games and 18 of 21, including an embarrassing 19-3 loss to the Orioles on Tuesday night.
Many in the industry view Sandberg as overmatched, but the team’s hierarchy is in an uncertain state, and the club also is busy discussing trades of players such as left-hander Cole Hamels and closer Jonathan Papelbon.
Overmatched? Heh. Old washing machines are overmatched. Sandberg… well, he is something else. Look at this blank stare last night when pitching coach Bob McClure – who, mind you, is probably the worst pitching coach in the history of baseball – frantically tried to get the bullpen’s attention after they didn’t pick up the phone:
I mean, not only is the hamster’s wheel not spinning, but I’m not even sure the little guy has legs. Just flailing around in there, kicking random matter. Not even the fine minds at Pixar could dream up a conversation taking place inside Ryno’s head.
UPDATE: Yeah, but what about you, Rube?
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.