According to multiple reports, the Cubs are interviewing Brad Ausmus in Chicago on Friday. Rumors have suggested the front office had already spoken to Ausmus about the Cubs’ job and he was thought to be the mystery candidate that received an interview.
Brad Ausmus has connections with Jed Hoyer from their days together in San Diego, and recent reports indicated Ausmus’ stock was rising within the Cubs’ front office.
The Cubs are still expected to formally interview Torey Lovullo for the manager’s job before going to the second phase of the process.
The front office appears to be targeting the Nov. 11 deadline that Theo Epstein mentioned more than a month ago. As previously reported, the Cubs new manager could be in place by the end of next week.
With Brad Ausmus receiving a sit down with the Cubs’ brass, that brings the total to six candidates believed to have interviewed for the job … plus one unknown ‘mystery candidate’. The Cubs have interviewed A.J. Hinch, Manny Acta, Dave Martinez, Rick Renteria, Eric Wedge and now Ausmus. Hinch and Renteria are believed to still be in the mix, but Acta and Martinez are not believed to be on the Cubs’ shortlist.
Stay Tuned for updates from the Cubs’ Skipper Search …