With his old age 69, it appeared that it was starting wear on Charlie Manuel. With a roster that was good, but not that good, he was losing and the Phillies parted ways with him. Ryne Sandberg takes over on an interim basis.

Manuel was in a make or break year. He had one World Series win but it was a “what have you done for me lately?” kind of feel for this season and the answer was “nothing.”

I feel bad but it was time for him to go. He wasn’t really being productive and I just felt that at this time of his life, he needed to just rest. He’s been managing since 2000 and without a talented roster, he could only do so much.

Maybe he’ll be back. Or maybe this is it. Either way, it was time for both sides to go in different directions.