Zolecki: Sandberg 'Not Exactly On Solid Footing'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Ryne Sandberg is the odds on favorite to be the first MLB manager fired.
While we're just one game into the Phillies 2015 season (albeit an 8-0 loss) and there are no reports of Sandberg's job being in jeopardy, MLB.com's Todd Zolecki admits Sandberg's job isn't completely secure.
"I will say this, he's not exactly on solid footing," Zolecki said of Sandberg's job, Wednesday on Angelo Cataldi and the 94WIP Morning Show. "You heard a lot of the stuff last season where Ruben talked to---you know, 'We're gonna talk to Ryne about communication and it was a learning year for him, and a learning curve.'
Listen: Todd Zolecki on the 94WIP Morning Show
"I asked Pat Gillick this question in March, 'What do you think of the job Ryne Sandberg has done?' You hear a lot of, 'Well, last year was a learning experience for him.' It wasn't exactly a ringing endorsement in my mind."
In his first full-season as manager Sandberg struggled, as the Phillies finished 73-89, last in the NL East.
"I think they saw---we've talked about it before---the lack of communication he has with his players," Zolecki said. "I think that was an issue at times last season and just the way he kind of runs the game at times has been an issue."
While Sandberg is certainly not beloved, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is public enemy No. 1 in Philadelphia. Amaro was named GM in 2008 following the team's World Series Championship. Since then, under Amaro, the franchise has steadily declined.
Pat Gillick was named acting team President back on January 28th, but at 77, Gillick isn't expected to hold that position for too long. A new Phillies President could shake up the entire look of the front-office.
"But I think Ruben and Ryno are probably very much tied together," Zolecki said. "Pat [Gillick] told me that he's not gonna address Ruben's contract situation at all until after the season and I kinda think the same thing about Ryne Sandberg, that they just might let the new team President deal with this type of thing."
"An entirely new power base on the team, Todd?" Cataldi asked.
"It won't not surprise me if it goes that way," said Zolecki. "Now maybe Pat sticks on after this year. I personally think that he's not going to be team President at this time next season. If he does, then maybe things remain status quo, but I think if a new President comes in after this season then I think all bets are off. You can see a whole bunch of different people."
