Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said at a press conference today that Charlie Manuel was already on his way out at the end of the season with the Phillies struggling as badly as they have, so it just made sense to give next man up Ryne Sandberg his interim shot.
Manuel's nine seasons as the Phillies' skipper came to an end on Friday with the squad sitting at 53-67, but with an overall record of 780-636 during his tenure.
Hall of Famer Sandberg has worked as third-base coach who spent most of his career with the Cubs, but started with the Phillies.
Despite a less than ideal ending, Manuel will still go down as a respected figure in Philly for the success they had in seasons prior to this one.
Manuel's 780 wins are the most in the National League since he started with Philly in 2005
