Phillies tab Brundage as manager at Triple-A
Henderson returns to organization to serve as coach in Minor Leagues
They announced Thursday they have hired Dave Brundage as Triple-A Lehigh Valley manager. They also hired former Phillies bullpen coach Ramon Henderson as a coach, likely for one of the lower-level teams.
Brundage, 48, had managed the Braves' Triple-A affiliate the previous six seasons, leading the team to the 2007 International League championship. He spent 19 seasons with the Mariners as a Minor League player, coach and manager.
Baseball America named him Minor League Manager of the Year in 2003. Brundage replaces Ryne Sandberg, who joined the Phillies as their third-base coach and infield instructor.
"With Dave's success and experience at the Triple-A level, we feel he is the ideal person to manage the IronPigs," director of player development Joe Jordan said in a statement. "His resume speaks for itself."
Henderson, a popular coach most famous for throwing to Bobby Abreu and Ryan Howard when they won the Home Run Derby in 2005 and 2006, respectively, left the Phillies in 2008 because of alcohol-related issues.
"I'm willing to do whatever it takes," Henderson told MLB.com this summer, when asked about getting back into baseball. "If I have to start from way below, that's what I've got to do. All I'm looking for is for somebody to give me a chance. I believe I've got a lot to offer. I have a lot of desire and energy to help any organization in any way I can. I think it's going to be some kind of story if somebody gives me a second chance.
"I think I'm going to be way better this time around, because I have the motivation to prove to myself and prove to others that I'm [sober] and that I'm capable of doing even a better job."
Rising stars: Phillies prospects Cody Asche and Tommy Joseph were named to the Arizona Fall League's West Division team in the Rising Stars Game.
Double-A Reading manager Dusty Wathan will manage the team.
Asche, a third baseman, is hitting .259 with five doubles, one home run, seven RBIs and a .712 OPS in 54 at-bats.
Joseph, a catcher, is hitting .172 with one double and a .480 OPS in 29 at-bats.
Scouting and farm directors from every organization, in consultation with the Arizona Fall League, select the players for the game.