Sandberg Thinks It's A Smart Move To Delay Home Opener Due To Weather
By Chris Stigall
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Chris Stigall spoke with Phillies Manager Ryne Sandberg this morning on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT as the team returns home after opening the season in Texas and Chicago.
Sandberg said he was pleased with management's decision to delay the home opener from this afternoon to tomorrow.
"I think it's a smart move to have opening day when it's more predictable for fan enjoyment and for a good game, for a whole game, and not a lot of waiting around, with the forecast looking like 80 percent [rain.] That's why off days are often scheduled around opening day."
He said that waiting until tomorrow to play the first home game will not adversely affect the team.
"Those are the things you deal with. The rain delays, there's nothing you can do about that. The players, they are very professional, they're used to it. This early in the season, and not being home yet, the guys have a chance to get settled in and moved in."
Sandberg also said he likes how the replay challenge system, which gives managers a chance to contest an umpires call on the field, is working so far.
"There's that general conversation like there used to be in the past, and then after a certain amount of time, which is very short, I can then look in the dugout and get a sign from Larry Bowa after he has checked with the video guy on the phone. Then I can make a decision there. I think it works pretty smoothly actually."