Cubs Promote Sandberg

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Dec 18, 2008 4:50PM

So does Sweet Lou have to fear for his job? Not quite yet we suspect, but the North Siders have promoted former Cubs great Ryne Sandberg to manager of their Double-A affiliate, the Tennessee Smokies. Ryno had previously managed the Single-A Peoria Chiefs, guiding them to 71-68 and 60-78-1 records in '07 and '08. That's all it takes to earn a promotion in the minors? Of course, we're sure his Hall of Famer status and high profile within the organization means he's cut a little slack.

Sandberg's promotion was the biggest news among minor league coaching moves announced Wednesday. Pat Listach, who had managed the Triple-A Iowa Cubs before accepting a coaching position on the Washington Nationals staff, was replaced by Bobby Dickerson. Dickerson had most recently been infield and bunting coordinator for the Cubs minor league system, and previously managed at Tennessee. Buddy Bailey moves from Tennessee to Daytona, replacing former Sandberg teammate Jody Davis as manager. Davis becomes the organization's roving catching instructor.

Does Ryno see Tennessee as the end of the line for his coaching career? Sure doesn't sound like it, "I want to learn, I want to be good at it. Like the players, I hope one day to be at the major-league level. That's kind of all of our goals in the minor leagues. I'm no different than the players."

AP photo