Epstein Fires Quade

[a700hitter]

Epstein fires Quade as manager of Cubs

November 2, 2011 02:45 PM

By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

 

Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein has fired manager Mike Quade. Now the Cubs join the Red Sox and Cardinals in searching for a new manger.

 

"The managerial search process begins immediately," Epstein said via a press release

 

The Cubs were 71-91 last season. That led to Epstein being hired away from the Red Sox.

 

"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," Epstein said.

 

That would seem to rule Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg, who has only minor league experience. Sandberg managed Class AAA Lehigh Valley in the Philadelphia organization last season.

 

This could get very interesting if the Sox and Cubs focus on the same candidates. Given the shared values of the organizations, that seems likely to happen.

 

It is very unlikely that Epstein will hire Terry Francona again. But Red Sox bench coach DeMarlo Hale, a Chicago native, could be an attractive candidate.

 

It's worth noting that Pete Mackanin, who interviewed with the Red Sox on Monday, is from Chicago, too.

[a700hitter]

How much must Padre fans hate Jed Hoyer? He was the San Diego GM for 2 seasons during which he traded their biggest star for some prospects from Boston. One year after he trades AGon and rolls out a totally s*** team, he beats it out of town to go to Chicago. Good luck to Cubs fans. At least they don't have any big stars for Hoyer to give away.