The Chicago Cubs continue their search for a new manager this week, and they appear to be making some progress. On Wednesday, Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux spoke with Cubs president Theo Epstein, GM Jed Hoyer and others at Wrigley Field to discuss the job. He's the third candidate to come through, following Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin and Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum.
Maddux, 50, is the older brother of famed pitcher Greg Maddux, and one of the few managerial candidates that's not being interviewed by both the Cubs and the Boston Red Sox. Currently living in the Dallas area, Maddux mentioned to MLB.com's Carrie Muskat that his family is the reason for turning down an interview with the Red Sox.
My wife and two daughters are together in the same state for the first time in three years and words cannot describe my happiness. The game of baseball has many sacrifices, but being apart from family is the toughest. I feel there is too much distance between the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Boston to see my family as much as I'd enjoy.
Apparently the distance between Dallas and Chicago is acceptable, though. It's a tad surprising to see a relatively inexperienced coach like Maddux turning down top-notch managerial opportunities, but geography is often one of the main things that stands in the way of such deals.
As for other candidates, Cleveland Indians bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr. is scheduled to speak with the Cubs on Friday according to Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago. He's interviewing with the Red Sox on Wednesday.
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