According to multiple reports, Mike Quade will not return as manager of the Chicago Cubs for the final year of his two-year contract.
Theo Epstein flew to Florida on Wednesday to inform Mike Quade of the decision.
The search for the Cubs new manager will begin immediately and it sounds like Ryne Sandberg will not be a candidate. According to a tweet from Carrie Muskat, the Cubs are expected to talk with Dale Sveum.
According to a statement released by Theo Epstein, the Cubs are looking for manager around whom they can build a foundation for sustained success but one that must have managerial or coaching experience at the major league level.
Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer had a seven-hour meeting with Quade last week, and Epstein released the following statement after traveling to Florida to inform Quade that he would not return to the club for the 2012 season.
“Jed Hoyer and I had an all-day meeting with Mike last Thursday at Wrigley Field, and Mike and I continued our dialogue with a lengthy phone conversation yesterday after the press conference. Today, I flew to Florida to inform Mike in person that the Cubs have decided not to bring him back as our manager for the 2012 season.
“When I joined the Cubs last week, I knew that Mike had a reputation as an outstanding baseball guy, as a tireless worker, and as a first-rate human being. After spending some time with him this past week, it became apparent to me that Mike’s reputation is well deserved. His passion, knowledge of the game, commitment, and integrity stood out immediately. While Mike is clearly an asset to any organization and any major league staff, Jed and I believe that the Cubs would benefit long-term from bringing in a manager for 2012 who can come in with a clean slate and offer new direction.
“The managerial search process begins immediately. 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.
“I want to thank Mike for his nine years of excellent service to the Cubs, and we certainly wish him well in the future.”
The search for the Cubs new manager will begin immediately and it sounds like Ryne Sandberg will not be a candidate. According to a tweet from Carrie Muskat, the Cubs are expected to talk with Dale Sveum.
There has not been an official announcement made on the coaching staff. Rudy Jaramillo, Lester Strode and Pat Listach are under contract through the 2012 season.
Stay Tuned …
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