Sandberg has Phillies reporting to games earlier

PHILADELPHIA -- One small but noteworthy change Ryne Sandberg has made in his first week as interim manager with the Phillies is having players report to the ballpark four hours before 7 p.m. games.

In the past, players only needed to be ready for their group stretch, which typically happened after 4 p.m.

"I just want to know when everybody is here, in case I want to get everybody together," Sandberg said. "I think that works well in forming a team and making it a team concept. So, that took place."

Sandberg said players have been receptive to it. Not that they have a choice.

"Nobody has been late," he said. "It's an easy concept. It's a done deal. It's about focusing on the games. For me, it's a non-issue."

Sandberg said the report time for day games will be different, with the ability to adjust.

"There are some breaks to that and some common sense," he said.