Joe Cowley is reporting via Twitter that Mike Quade will not return as Cubs manager next season. The move does not come as a big surprise as Quade replaced Lou Piniella at the end of the 2010 season, and remained in place because the knew the organization top to bottom and had a great reputation around the league and in the clubhouse. However, the Cubs posted a dismal 71-91 record this past season and were a complete mess in more places than one.
I imagine Rudy Jaramillo, the teams hitting coach, will be given another opportunity given he is under contract for at least two more years. He is one of the best in the business and any manager would be lucky to have him in the fold.
Who the Cubs approach for manager will be interesting to see. There are a lot of intriguing names on the market and given the name power this organization now boasts, you have to think they are going for a long-term option who already has experience.
"The managerial search process begins immediately," Epstein said. "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."
Any ideas for who the Cubs could bring in? Would Terry Francona be given an interview?