The Chicago Cubs announced via press release on Wednesday that manager Mike Quade will not return for the 2012 season, effectively beginning the team's search for their next skipper. President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein had some very positive things to say about Quade in the press release, but more importantly Epstein did quickly discuss that the team's search for a new manager begins now.
And more specifically, he outlined some things that he expects from his newest manager.
We are looking for someone with whom and around whom we can build a foundation for sustained success. The next manager must have leadership and communication skills; he must place an emphasis on preparation and accountability; he must establish high standards and a winning culture; he must have integrity and an open mind; and he must have managerial or coaching experience at the major league level.
Notice that key line at the end of the quote. Must have managerial or coaching experience at the major league level. That's going to knock a few key candidates off our list, but more importantly, it means we can knock one very important name off: Ryne Sandberg.
Sandberg, currently the manager for Philadelphia's Triple-A team, has never managed or coached in the majors before. He has a good deal of experience managing in the minors and obviously is one of the Cubs' all-time great players, but it appears that won't be enough to qualify him for the job in Epstein's eyes.
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