Next step for Amaro, Sandberg is coaching staff

PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies completed their first offseason task early Sunday when they named Ryne Sandberg manager.

Next up is the coaching staff.

Pitching coach Rich Dubee, hitting coach Steve Henderson, catching coach Mick Billmeyer, third-base coach Juan Samuel, first-base and assistant hitting coach Wally Joyner and bullpen coach Rod Nichols face uncertain futures as none of them have contracts beyond this season.

Some changes are expected, although how many changes is unknown.

"First of all, we have very qualified and professional and very good coaches right now in the coaches' room," Sandberg said during a news conference Sunday morning at Citizens Bank Park. "[General manager] Ruben [Amaro Jr.] and I will have some conversations and discussions on that, and we're going to do that collectively and come up with a hard-working staff that I'll be comfortable with and will do a good job."

Get used to hearing Larry Bowa's name until those decisions are made. Bowa is a close friend to Sandberg, and Bowa would not mind returning to coaching.

"Putting together a quality coaching staff that can support Ryne and support the organization, I think that will be a priority for us," Amaro said.