Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg Resigns

Resigning as Phillies manager four-hours before facing Max Scherzer might have beenone of Ryne Sandberg’s best decisions.

Even though Sandberg, who during a hastily called press conference noted that the losing was eating at him, it ultimately wasn’t about facing the Nationals ace, who nearly became the second pitcher in history to throw consecutive no-hitters this week, or enduring more losses by the worst team in the MLB.

“With some changes at the top looming, I did not want to be in the way of anything happening and progress going forward,” Sandberg said during his emotional press conference.

Sandberg, who finishes with a 119-159 mark (.428) as Phillies skipper, can clearly feel the wind of change. The Phillies are reportedly close to signing a deal with veteran baseball executive Andy MacPhail, who will apparently replace Pat Gillick as club President.

Sandberg said that he does not want to impede progress. Earlier in the month general manager Ruben Amaro gave Sandberg the dreaded vote of confidence. But Amaro’s future is uncertain and Sandberg was at best a lame duck manager.

Bench coach Pete Mackanin will take over as manager and MacPhail will reportedly join the fold at some point next month.

“Change has to happen in Philadelphia, a NL scout said. “The word is that Sandberg lost control of the clubhouse. It wasn’t working for the Phillies or Sandberg. Something had to happen and I give Sandberg credit for making the call. “