With the return of Andy Tracy to the Phillies organization as a manager, many are wondering/hoping he returns to the IronPig’s dugout.
Warning: Opinion below.
I see Andy starting at Williamsport. It’s a short season, he’ll be able to work with less experienced players and be able to move around the coaching learning curve easier than he would at a higher level. Every new job requires learning and coaching a pro baseball team is no different. Placing a new “rookie” manager at AA or AAA would subject him to criticism (from fans and players alike) for mistakes that are a part of the learning process. New players wouldn’t dare to test a long time ball player like Tracy but a 10 year + minor league journeyman might.
From my experience in the Marine Corps, whenever someone was promoted they were generally transferred soon after. Being in charge of people who just days ago were drinking buddies isn’t any easy path for either party. Williamsport will afford Andy Tracy the opportunity to avoid conflict early in his managerial career.
With that said, I see a good chance that Mickey Morandini will remain in the Phillies organization possibly pushing into Clearwater or Lakewood.
Whoever Morandini replaces will push to AA Reading and the IronPigs will sign outside the organization (If/When Sandberg leaves)
That’s my opinion. It doesn’t reflect that of the entire Noise Nation. Feel free to post your thoughts in the comment section below.
Dan
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
my best guess, Truby to Reading, Morandini to lakewood, Dusty stays at clearwater, Tracy to williamsport to be with former teammate and friend Jorge Velandia (who should remain as hitting coach unless he is promoted) I feel Ryno will either be a major league manager or on the phillies staff, but not with the pigs.
Very interesting time, boring also. As i said a couple monthe ago Sandberg would not be going to Cubs, but we are losing him. It looks now like Sandberg will be joining the Phils as the bench coach for Charlie. From my source in Emmaus Sandberg’s main job will be to “poke” Charlie with a bat when Charlie decides to take a cat nap, usually around 9pm, 8:30 when DOC pitches. Seriously though, he will be the bench coach this year and then take over the big club the following year. As far a Tracy–there’s a shot he comes to Pigs, the Phils minor league managers are not held with high regards, and although fan favorite Andy is no way or should be getting a job starting at AAA he has a great chance. I really hope Andy comes back the fans would love it
On a different note, the stock market has had a great few days, Mezza Luna stock went through the roof Thuirsday
Plus, you know, if Velandia gets “injured” then Tracy will be there to fill in… 😉
I would love to see Andy here, but I don’t think they will do that. He doesn’t have any coaching experience and I think they want another winning season here with the Pigs (as do the fans!!).
On a largely unrelated note, am I the only one who has to stifle the impulse to make an inappropriate reference to pitchers and catchers and burst into Beavis-and-Butt-head-style giggles every time somebody utters the phrase “Occupy Ryno”?
Just to prove it’s a boring time—go to the mcall page and read about the 60 year old guy from Luzerne. This is crazy————————–we need year round baseball, let’s go Dan do your majic!! 150 days away, see you soon
Ryne Sandberg either goes with the Cardinals as a manager or with the Phillies as bench coach, with a promise that he replaces Charlie when Charlie retires.
Much as I’d love to see Andy Tracy back in Coca-Cola Park, it’s not gonna happen. Dan’s scenario is more likely — though there’s an outside chance they could take a big chance and put him at Reading, on the fast track.
Who will coach the ‘Pigs? I think Sal Rende deserves a shot. He’s certainly had the experience — in 11 seasons as a Minor League manager, he had 8 winning seasons, 6 first-place finishes, 3 league championships and an overall winning record. He was also Sandberg’s designated skipper when Ryno was either thrown out of the game or away on business last year, and did a fine job.
I’m actually surprised no one’s mentioned Rende’s name to this point as Ryno’s potential replacement. He seems made for the job. Guss I’m the first to jump on his bandwagoin.
I think Sandberg’s style makes him an ideal fit for the Cardinals (he’s got that Tony La Russa Zen thing going on), but I don’t think they’ll hire him unless the Cubs get to Francona first. If I had to guess, I’d say he’ll be coaching in either Chicago or Philadelphia next year. If Epstein knows what’s good for him, he’ll bring Sandberg back to the Friendly Confines. (My sense of irony really wants him to replace DeJesus at third base, but I don’t know how long God is willing to indulge my taste for circular plotlines.) If Epstein prefers to live dangerously and risk incurring the eternal wrath of the North Side the first time the Cubs lose three in a row next year, he’ll just leave him alone and let the Phillies continue to groom him for Charlie Manuel’s job.
I’m kinda leaning toward Williamsport too although Clearwater could be a possibility. Williamsport is a short season team and well as is with anything you must start at the bottom and work your way up. This will give Andy some good experiecne and as he learns he’ll get better. Perhaps in time, we’ll see him again at CCP. And that’s Jimmy T’s take!