Sandberg waiting patiently for shot at big league management

Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg threw out a ceremonial first pitch and sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during Saturday's seventh-inning stretch at Wrigley Field.

Sandberg, who has enjoyed a successful three-year run as a minor-league manager in the Cubs system, has been the subject of much speculation lately over whether he'll succeed Lou Piniella in the big-league dugout once Piniella retires.

Piniella will manage the Cubs for at least one more season.

Sandberg has expressed interest in managing in the big leagues, but he wasn't getting too far ahead of himself Saturday.

"I've talked to Jim (GM Hendry), and we're waiting until this season is over with," Sandberg said. "I think that everyone in the organization kind of finds out, at the lower levels, somewhere between November and December they figure all that out, and I have no idea yet. But things have headed in the right direction and I'm pleased the way that everything is going so I'm anxious to see where that is and where the Cubs want me to be.

"From my understanding, I think there's not going to be any changes with the coaching staff, which is understandable, and with Lou coming back at least another year, I'm waiting to see where I'll be heading next year and continue to keep contributing to the organization and gain experience."

Few people figured a Hall of Famer such as Sandberg would want to ride the buses in the minor leagues, but he's done that. He worked at Class A Peoria last year. This year, he led Class AA Tennessee to the Southern League championship series.

Over already? With the season finale today, this will be the last game for some players in Cubs uniforms. Outfielder Reed Johnson is a free agent whose status is uncertain.

"It's always a tough feeling," Johnson said. "Every time it's the last game of the season, you look around the clubhouse, and you know that's the last time this group will ever be together as a whole. There's going to be guys let go. There's going to be guys that come in. You don't know who that is going into the off-season.

"You know that's your last time with your 'family.' We spent more time with each other than we do our own families. - The front office is probably going to have their hands full early in the off-season making some different moves. Hopefully, I can be a part of that."