The front office has expanded their search for the next manager of the Cubs as expected. While Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer and Randy Bush have interviewed at least four candidates, the Cubs’ brass have asked the Rangers for permission to speak with Mike Maddux and it appears they will wait for the Sox’s season to come to an end in order to further discuss the job with Torey Lovullo before making a decision.
According to Peter Gammons, “the Cubs have talked to Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo about their vacant managerial job, but will not have any further discussions until the Red Sox are through playing.” John Farrell was asked about the Cubs’ interest in Lovullo and he told the Boston media prior to Game 6 of the ALCS that he would prefer the Cubs wait until after the Sox are done. Farrell said the team would not stand in Lovullo’s way of pursuing “potential opportunities” and added, “He’s a great baseball mind … Going to be very good.” Multiple reports from the Boston media indicated the Cubs had not asked for permission to speak to Lovullo yet.
Multiple reports from the mainstream media on Saturday also confirmed the Cubs would like to talk to Mike Maddux again and he is indeed in the mix.
It is unclear at this point the exact number of additional candidates, but the list of possible managers could increase even further in the coming days. And while the front office is talking to managerial candidates, they are also interviewing well-respected baseball men that could be part of the new manager’s coaching staff.
What has been reported is that the Cubs have spoken with A.J. Hinch, Manny Acta, Rick Renteria and Dave Martinez about the managerial opening. The Tribune prematurely reported that Martinez would be the last candidate interviewed and that the front office would decide between the four men. And while reports have surfaced that Renteria and Martinez are seen as favorites for the job that does not appear to be the case at this point of the process.
The Cubs do not appear to be in a rush to name a new manager and could take until the GM Meetings begin on November 11 to make an announcement. While the Cubs played their last game of the season nearly three weeks ago, baseball’s off-season has not begun. There is nothing wrong with interviewing multiple candidates to find the right man this time around.
Stay tuned for updates from The Cubs’ Skipper Search …