Ripper1332 wrote:As a lifetime Cub fan, I would love to see Sandberg get the opportunity to coach his team in the major leagues. I grew up with Sandberg as my athletic hero; played second base, copied his batting stance, and worked hard to do things like he did. I would love to see him get the chance, but I am afraid that he would be getting set up for failure. This team is not in very good shape right now, getting older with fading stars that might not even be around by next season.
I think that the Cubs will give Sandberg a chance, but I look for them to go in a "bigger" direction with a guy like Torre or Valentine. In the short term, I think that these coaches would be a good answer...they both work the media well and seem to get along well with players. My fear is that in the mean time, Sandberg is offered a job some place else and walks away from the organization forever.
My other question is this: Is Girardi that good or does having an unlimited payroll that is willing to increase at a moments notice make him look better than he is?
Thoughts???
I'd hate to see Sandberg walk away from Chicago, but i think he will. The Cubs are too big not to hire a big name. The last hires prove that. Dusty Baker, Lou...there were other managers out there and somehow the big names surfaced. I remember how excited I was about Dusty, and that slapped me in the face.
IMO, Sandberg is the nice guy that finishes last. I know thats a saying thats overused, but the Cub culture now is win, or else. I'm not sure if Sandberg can deliver a wining product right away but I think he's the type of guy we need. A guy that the young players can respect, someone that can teach the fundamentals and won't settle for less.
As of right now I dont' think the team is ready to win. I think we have a couple years of building and stocking up talent before we can make a legit run. If they don't bring in Sandberg now, I dont' think he has any real chance to ever coach the Cubs. I'd hate for him to coach a team like Pittsburgh and succeed. The man did everything he was asked of, he deserves the chance.
Will he win? don't know, but I think he's the right long term solution. The Cubs tho, will go with the win now solution and expect the new skipper to win with a lineup full of holes.
