Phillies interview Sandberg for IronPigs managerial slot

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry recently confirmed that Sandberg would be leaving the organization. If Sandberg is offered a coaching job at the major-league level, he may be more likely to take that position than remain a minor-league manager.

The Phillies, of course, have an opening on their staff after the recent departure of first-base coach Davey Lopes, but it seems likely that position will be a minority hire, with former Phillies infielder Mariano Duncan a potential candidate. Duncan recently lost his job as the Los Angeles Dodgers' first-base coach.

Sandberg led Iowa to an 82-62 record during his first season as a triple-A manager and he was named the Pacific Coast League manager of the year.

"I really liked the way his team played," a National League scout said. "I liked the way they ran the bases."

Sandberg started his managerial career in 2007 with the Cubs' single-A Peoria Chiefs of the Midwest League. After two seasons with Peoria, he was promoted to double-A Tennessee of the Southern League.

The Hall of Fame second baseman is best known in Philadelphia as being the "throw-in" player in a deal that sent shortstop Larry Bowa to the Cubs in exchange for shortstop Ivan DeJesus. A 20th-round pick by the Phillies in 1978, Sandberg went on to play in 10 All-Star Games and win an MVP award with the Cubs.

LaMar said the Phillies also must replace double-A Reading manager Steve Roadcap, and he hinted that the new manager would likely come from within the organization. Mark Parent, who led single-A Lakewood to the South Atlantic League championship this season, is a strong candidate for that job.