According to multiple reports Sunday morning, Lou Piniella announced he will step down as manager of the Chicago Cubs following Sunday’s game against the Braves. Piniella cited his “mother’s continued failing health” as the reason for his decision.
Mike Quade named interim manager and will manage the team the remainder of the season.
Alan Trammell was told he would not be considered for Cubs’ job in off-season. Mike Quade will be a candidate. Will update as additional information becomes available …
Updated 11:06am CDT
Lou told the media, “To continue to go home and come back wasn’t fair to the team, wasn’t fair to the players.” Piniella added, “I’m going to miss it, no question about that. It was very difficult.”
General manager Jim Hendry had said Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, now managing the club’s Triple-A affiliate in Des Moines, would be a candidate for the job. He said last month Piniella’s replacement wouldn’t be hired before the end of the season, but he had hoped to have a manager in place by organization meetings in late October or early November.
Updated – 11:16am CDT
The Score is reporting that there is a feeling the entire coaching staff will be replaced for next season. David Schuster did not specifically say Larry Rothschild or Rudy Jaramillo would not be back.
Updated 11:36am CDT
According to Bruce Levine, Jim Hendry met with Alan Trammell before naming Mike Quade interim manager. Hendry told Trammell at that time he would not be considered for the Cubs’ job next season. Trammell will stay on and finish the season.
Ivan DeJesus will take over as third base coach with Bobby Denier likely replacing DeJesus as the Cubs’ first base coach.