Ryne Sandberg's star is rising again

In a simpler time, becoming a manager wasn't that hard for the best players. Ty Cobb, Frank Robinson, Pete Rose, Lou Boudreau - even Joe Torre, way back in 1977 - were once player-managers, serving as leaders on and off the field, and providing a bridge to a new career in many cases.

But the career path for managers has changed in the last couple of decades. Even the best former players have to pay their dues in the minors, which is where Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg has spent the last few years. He made millions with the Cubs, but rode in a bus throughout the South this summer, managing the Double-A Tennessee Smokies in the Cubs organization. And as he certainly did as a player, he's been making a name for himself. The Smokies were not a very good team in April and May, but they found a way to advance to the Southern League championship series.

And, as Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune wrote, Sandberg's managerial star is rising. He's in line to become the first Hall of Fame player in more than 30 years to get a chance to manage in the major leagues. (Frank Robinson was the last, in 1975 with the Indians).

Lou Piniella wants to manage the Cubs for one more year, but with a new owner and an awful season, it might not be his call. And Sandberg says managing the Cubs is his ultimate goal. Yet if another team calls - the Astros already have an opening, and it seems like the Indians and a few others might as well - he'll listen.

"Sure, I'd listen to anyone," Sandberg told Rogers. "I'd have to weigh everything. I don't know the situation with all the teams. But if somebody thinks I'm ready, if they want to talk to me, I'd definitely listen."

New to the site: Sandberg is on the short list as the best second baseman of all-time. Who is No. 1? And who would you choose?