Sandberg addresses Wrigley challenge

DES MOINES, Iowa - Can the Cubs win at Wrigley Field?

Yes, they can, says Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg.

"I think you can obviously win there with the right group of guys," said Sandberg, the manager of the Cubs' Class AAA Iowa farm club.

In recent weeks, Wrigley Field has been the topic of much discussion. Reds player Scott Rolen said the facilities aren't up to par. Former Cubs manager Dusty Baker said the constant reminders of the Cubs' futility make it difficult to win in Chicago.

Recently traded Cub Derrek Lee said talk of losing "puts you in a negative environment." Lou Piniella, who just retired as manager, said Chicago and Wrigley Field present unique challenges.

Sandberg on Monday acknowledged all of this, to a degree. He helped the Cubs to division titles in 1984 and 1989.

"I think it's become more of a challenge in recent years with the drought of a World Series appearance, with the White Sox winning, with the Red Sox winning, with expansion teams winning in five or six years," said Sandberg, who is a candidate to succeed Piniella.

"I understand the frustration there. I was frustrated as a player. I didn't go to as many playoffs as I would have wanted to. I would have been a happier player and probably been more outgoing if I would have played on more winning teams.

"But I think the years that we won, Wrigley Field was a homefield advantage to us. I think if you have a product out there that plays the game the right way and hustles and demonstrates winning, I think Wrigley can turn into a serious homefield advantage there with the fans."