Mike Quade is out as Cubs manager. No surprise at all there. Ryne Sandberg has already been told he is not going to be a candidate for the opening, because Theo wants to start a new “culture” on the North Side and wants someone with Major League coaching experience. Here are five names that could be your next Cubs manager.
Dale Sveum Sveum is the current hitting coach for the Milwaukee Brewers. He also was a third base coach in Boston for a few seasons. During his stint in Boston, Sveum impressed upper management, including Theo Epstein, with his attention to detail, the way he gets along with players, and his use of statistics in preparing for games. Sveum has also been a manager for a brief time with the Brewers, a hitting coach, third base coach, and bench coach.
Mike Maddux Maddux has been one of the best pitching coaches in all of baseball for several seasons. Maddux is currently the pitching coach for the Texas Rangers and has been regarded as one of the keys to their back-to-back World Series appearances. The former major leaguer is also known for his strong work ethic and preparation and is the brother of Cubs adviser and former star Greg Maddux.
Dave Martinez Martinez has been the right hand man for Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon the past few seasons. Martinez is ready for the next step and the Cubs could be a great fit. Many experts thought he would end up as the manager on the South Side before the White Sox ended up naming Robin Ventura their choice.
Pete Mackanin Mackanin has been the bench coach for the Philadelphia Phillies. He has 42 years of baseball experience as a player, coach and scout. His age might be the one thing not in his favor, but his experience can’t be questioned.
Bob Brenly Yes this is a long shot, but the Cubs play by play man does have experience and a World Series ring. He has seen what doesn’t work for the Cubs the past several years and might be able to fix the problem. As I stated the chances of this are extremely slim, but if he were to get the chance expect Kerry Wood to take the vacated announcer position.