Sandberg named Third Base Coach, Steve Henderson Hitting Coach, Billmeyer Catching Coach

As expected, Ryne Sandberg has been promoted to the Philadelphia Phillies coaching staff, and will take over as Third Base Coach for the 2013 season. Juan Samuel, the incumbent Third Base Coach, has been offered the position of First Base Coach. Read the full press release here.

Mick Billmeyer, the long-time bullpen coach for the Phillies, has been named Catching Coach, and Rod Nichols, pitching coach for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, has been named the Phillies' new Bullpen Coach.

Steve Henderson, the Phillies' minor league hitting coordinator for the last two seasons, and previously the Tampa Bay Rays hitting coach, takes over as Hitting Coach in Philadelphia.

By nearly all accounts, the Phillies appear to be clearing the deck for a peaceful transfer of power from Charlie Manuel to Ryne Sandberg for the 2014 season. Manuel has been the best manager in franchise history, and deserves the opportunity to go out on his terms. Hopefully this will be graceful.

Salisbury: Coaching Spot Cleared for Sandberg

Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com with the full story.

Sandberg has managed the Phillies’ Triple A Lehigh Valley club the last two seasons and is considered the heir apparent to manager Charlie Manuel, who will enter the final year of his contract next season. Manuel turns 69 in January and there have been indications that he will retire after the 2013 season.

Sandberg could end up being the Phils’ bench coach.

Phillies Cleaning House: Coaches Perlozzo, Gross, Mackanin Will Not Return in 2013

Three coaches will not have contracts renewed by Phillies after disappointing 2012 season.