Manuel out, Sandberg in as #Phillies manager

The Phillies have made a managerial change, replacing Charlie Manuel with third-base coach and Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg. The move is effective immediately -- Sandberg will manage the Phillies Friday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Manuel: Utley could play 3B before season ends

Chase Utley’s daily pregame experiment at third base continued on Monday at Citi Field. He spent quite a while taking ground balls, one after the other, working on the longer throw and the attendant mechanics. General manager Ruben Amaro stood nearby, just beyond the visitors’ dugout, and watched the proceedings.

Phillies, Manuel agree to two-year extension

Manager Charlie Manuel has signed a two-year extension with the Phillies, Senior Vice President & General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. announced today. Manuel is now signed through the 2013 season.

Almost done: Manuel and Phillies close to extension

Manager Charlie Manuel is close to agreeing on a contract extension with the Phillies, sources told CSNPhilly.com on Wednesday.

Negotiations have ebbed and flowed for weeks. Progress was made last week, followed by a period of stagnation. In recent days, the two sides have made significant progress and there are signs that an announcement could come this week.

Manuel, 67, is signed through the 2011 season. He is expected to receive a two-year extension that would pay him between $3.5 million and $4 million per season. He makes $2.4 million this season.

Manuel, in his seventh season managing the Phils, has led the club to four straight National League East titles and a pair of World Series. The Phils won the World Series in 2008. Manuel’s 25 postseason wins are the most of any big-league manager since 2005.

SOURCE: CSNPhilly.com