First rumors surfaced that Mike Maddux, thought by some to have an inside track on the Cubs open manager position, would be out of the running. And the Red Sox, interviewing a similar candidate pool as the Cubs (see: Epstein, Theo), had earlier announced they would be open to expanding their search. Which leads us to the big news of the evening:
Cubs Offer Sveum Job.
Assuming the offer is accepted and the Red Sox don't go nuts with a counter-offer, Sveum's the man. (Is it too early to say "It's all the Sveum to me?") Following the news is increased speculation about which candidates move to the top of the Red Sox list.
Update: the Red Sox DID NOT make an offer to Sveum, according to Rosenthal:
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Cubs offer managing job to Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum - Ken Rosenthal
"The Red Sox declined to make Sveum an offer, leaving him with an easy decision, one that almost certainly will lead to him becoming the Cubs’ next manager." -
Sveum appears to be the man - Chicago Sun-Times
"Sveum, a finalist for both teams’ managerial vacancies, was offered the Cubs job Wednesday after early front-runner Mike Maddux indicated family concerns would keep him from accepting a move from Dallas, where he has been the Rangers’ pitching coach the last three seasons."
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Cubs want Sveum; Sox search goes on - BostonHerald.com
"During the past few days, the Milwaukee Brewers hitting coach has emerged as a favorite for both teams. The Cubs met with Sveum late Tuesday night, and Sveum had lunch yesterday with Red Sox principal owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner and president Larry Lucchino. Ultimately, it seems, the Cubs got their man. The Red Sox still are looking." -
Where the Red Sox stand in their managerial search as the GM Meetings wind down - WEEI
The Sox have been granted an extension of the window of permission to talk with four of five first-round candidates: Sveum, Indians bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr., Blue Jays first base coach Torey Lovullo and Tigers third base coach Gene Lamont. Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin has been told he’s no longer in consideration for the position.