Ryne Sandberg resigns as Phillies manager

Ryne Sandberg has resigned as the manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, something he announced at a press conference on Friday. Sandberg was presiding over the worst team in baseball before deciding to call it quits. The Hall-of-Fame second baseman stated that losing was the reason for his decision, per ESPN.

"“I do not like to lose. I hate to lose,” Sandberg said. “I think that’s the biggest thing that weighed on me.”"

Sandberg was named as the Phillies manager in late 2013 with an interim tag, before taking over completely in 2014. The Phillies finished last with a 73-89 in the National League East that year, before starting out a dismal 26-48 this season. Sandberg will be replaced on an interim basis by Pete Mackanin.

For Philadelphia, things can’t get much worse. The Phillies have an old team without much young talent, and are likely going to trade Cole Hamels at some point before the July 31 trade deadline.

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. needs to make some tough decisions and make moves to start rebuilding the team. After winning the World Series in 2008 and losing to the New York Yankees in the Fall Classic of 2009, the Phillies have fallen apart.

Amaro Jr. has let the team deteriorate, refusing to deal away aging stars to build up the farm system. While Hamels is the main asset, getting rid of Ryan Howard and eating most of the contract might not be a terrible move either. Chase Utley could also be moved, although he needs to approve of a trade since he has 10-5 rights (10 years as a major leaguer and five with the same team).

Philadelphia sports is really going through a rough patch. The Flyers have not won a championship since 1975, the Eagles since 1960 and the 76ers since 1983. The city of Brotherly Love is taking it on the chin.