The reacquisition of Cliff Lee this week was the latest in a series of moves the Philadelphia Phillies have made this offseason that brought former players back to the fold.
Ryne Sandberg, Juan Samuel, and Mickey Morandini, all retired players, have returned after long absences from the team.
Lee, of course, returns to South Philadelphia to expand upon his legendary 2009 season in pinstripes.
Ruben Amaro's admission that introspection played a role in Lee's return should slam the book shut on all past speculation about why Lee left.
Basically the club was unwilling to commit to him long-term last year, saw how the 2010 season ended and decided that they needed him after all.
It is always good when people acknowledge being human.
The level of excellence that Pat Gillick inspired in everyone changed the culture of the Phillies brain trust and clearly has influenced his best student, the Phillies current GM.
He deserves credit for being both bold and humble.
Mickey Morandini
Morandini is the organizations new Williamsport Crosscutter's (Single A) manager.
The second baseman on the famed 1993 “Macho Row” team is actually returning for his third tour of duty. He had two stints as a player from 1990-1997 and in 2000.
This fan favorite always exhibited a professional demeanor on and off the field. His depth of character should add to an already strong farm system and help to produce future stars who will play at Citizens Bank Park.
Two former second basemen also returned to the Phillies recently. Ryne Sandberg and Juan Samuel were promising prospects in a rich minor league system.
One that helped the big club to produce numerous summer blockbuster seasons, the sequels to which have not been seen until just recently.
Sandberg played the remainder of his career with the Cubs and retired in 1997. Samuel went on to play with six other teams and retired in 1998.
Both men were key figures in the Phillies fortunes, or lack thereof.
Sandberg, the 2005 Hall of Fame inductee, was involved in a seminal 1980's trade.
The 10-time All Star and 1984 National League MVP was hired to manage the Phils triple A team, possibly preparing for a future role in Philadelphia.
Juan Samuel, the new third base coach, was a dynamic young player who got his chance to play during that same era, in part, because of Sandberg's departure.
Ryne Sandberg
"Ryno" was a minor league infielder, coveted by Dallas Green, himself a former Phillies pitching farmhand in the 1960's. Sandberg only played a handful of games in red pinstripes, before he was sent on a plane to Wrigley Field.
His efforts in the windy city allowed him to write HOF under his signature, because he became one of the greatest second baseman of all-time.
So, why was his vast potential discarded?
Bill Giles
Phillies Chairman Bill Giles provides answers to that question in his excellent book, Pouring Six Beers at a Time.
Giles took a lot of heat during the period when Sandberg and Samuel were Phillies. His group purchased the team in 1981. Fans referenced him as a key source responsible for years of losing seasons.
However, he shares significant credit with a management group that is responsible for four World Series appearances and the 2008 champions; he was also one of the principle visionaries who enabled Citizens Bank Park to become Phillies fan newest friend.
This son of former National League president Warren Giles is an honest guy, whose heart was always in the right place. His sincerity and passion for the game is undeniable.
Like any baseball season, every long reign has its down times. So, any retrospective about his overall legacy deserves to be filled with positive words.
Sandberg's career statistics (1981-1997):
Games: 2,164
Batting Average: .285
Home runs: 282
Runs Batted In: 1,061
Stolen Bases: 344
Fielding Percentage: .989
Dallas Green
Ryne Sandberg was traded with Larry Bowa after the 1981 season. They were acquired by former 1980 World Series champion manager Dallas Green, who had left Philadelphia to become the Chicago Cubs Executive Vice President and General Manager.
He took so many Phillies personnel with him and acquired so many Phillies players, that his Cubs team became known as “Phillies-West.”
Green's exit signaled a new era—one where the Phillies developed little new talent. His departure was one in a series of blows to an organization that was at the tail end of its greatest era.
It set in motion the decline of the team, the Vet and the Eagles rise to prominence.
While the Phillies did appear in the 1983 World Series, their glory was dazed. Gassed after winning Game 1 against the Orioles, the Phillies then lost four straight.
The team failed to reach the playoffs again until 1993. Of course, that was “Macho Row's” one year of wonder.
As Sandberg's career was moving towards its twilight, Mickey Morandini was manning second by then.
Sandberg became a Hall of Famer, in one of the most referenced trades sports fans in this area still talk about. Coming full circle, the 51 year old Sandberg returns to the team where his baseball career was born.
He is also a natural selection to eventually join the major league staff, be mentored by and then succeed Charlie Manuel.
He won the Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year award this past season, but was not picked to take over for the retiring Lou Pinella.
So, in a reversal of fortune come full circle, the Phillies now have re-acquired him 28 years after his infamous trade. Pat Gillick used to speak of restocking inventory and this move helps replenish the Phillies future coaching or managerial supply.
Since he was not chosen to replace Lopes on the coaching staff, it would seem reasonable to believe that the organization has placed him on a future managerial path.
Would the organization let him get away again, as it did in the past? With the situations are not comparable, it seems likely that he was specifically chosen with a plan in mind.
Juan Samuel
So, with Sandberg gone, Samuel's position in the 80's infield was set. He starred at second base for the Phillies in the 1980's, earning two of his three All Star appearances.
“Sammy” was eventually involved in a 1989 trade that landed Lenny “Nails” Dykstra.
The San Pedro de Macoris native transitioned into coaching after retiring in 1999. He managed in the minor leagues and was an interim manager for the Orioles this past season.
Samuel, now 49 years old, was inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame in 2008.
If Samuel were somehow a part of today's team, he would fit in well. Personable, possessing a smile that belies a kind-heart, he made the best of his time and was well-liked because of it.
Samuel's career statistics (1983-1998):
Games: 1,720
Batting Average: .259
Home runs: 161
Runs Batted In: 703
Stolen Bases: 396
Fielding Percentage: .973
Samuel's time starts with the new season. That third base coaching position has proven to be challenging for many, so he will need to remain sharp.
His approach to coaching and overall loyalty are big pluses, so hopefully he fits right in.
With whatever the future holds, it would be great to also see Sandberg in our uniform at some point. Charlie Manuel may have a future opening on his staff, which Sandberg could fill.
He would likely prove to be as strong a coaching mentor for Ryno, as he has proven to be for his players.
This Hall of Famer could, eventually, lead this talented squad.
During the offseason, these are the type of recipes that all of us sports fans enjoy cooking on that old hot stove.
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