Sandberg named Cubs' Triple-A manager

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. - Coming off a successful 2009 campaign that saw his team fall only two games short of a Southern League Championship, Ryne Sandberg was very deserving of a move up the Chicago Cubs' organizational ladder.

The Cubs came through on their end Monday as the organization announced at the Winter Meetings that Sandberg would be promoted to manager of the Triple-A Iowa Cubs for the 2010 season.

Sandberg led the Smokies in 2009 to the second half Southern League North Division crown and postseason berth. After defeating the Huntsville Stars, 3-1, in the Southern League Divisional Series, the Smokies fell 3-1 to the Jacksonville Suns in the Southern League Championship Series. Tennessee's title series appearance was the team's first since 2004.

With Sandberg taking over for 2009 I-Cubs Manager Bobby Dickerson, who took a position in the Baltimore Orioles' Minor League system, the Smokies will have a new manager for the 2010 season. The team will announce their new manager next week, who will be coming from outside the Cubs organization.