As is probably common knowledge by now, Cubs President Theo Epstein flew down to Florida today to meet with Mike Quade and tell him face-to-face that he will not be retained as the Cubs manager for 2012.
In addition, Epstein also contacted Ryne Sandberg and told him that he would not be a candidate for the job, as the Cubs are looking for someone with managerial or coaching experience at the major league level.
While Steve Rosenbloom of the Tribune suggests that the Cubs hire former Red Sox manager Terry Francona, who became the fall guy for this year's Red Sox collapse. However, I do not think that is likely.
According to Carrie Muskat at MLB.com, some possible replacements include Rays bench coach Dave Martinez, Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin, Red Sox bench coach DeMarlo Hale and Milwaukee hitting coach Dale Sveum.
No real marquee names on that list and I won't speculate as to who is the best candidate as I really don't know much about any of them.
Bottom line, to me at least, the Cubs should have hired Joe Girardi when they had a chance.
Francona interviewed with the Cubs a couple days ago, but Epstein said it probably wouldn't work out.
ReplyDeleteI'm a Cards fan, and I'm not sure who we should pick to replace Tony LaRussa. I've heard rave reviews of Sandberg in the minors with the Cubs and Phillies, and Francona is the biggest name out there even after he seemingly lost control of his Red Sox at the end of the season.
Guess we'll see...