According to a report from Comcast SportsNet New England, Terry Francona will not manage the Chicago Cubs in 2012 and may explore broadcasting opportunities for next season. Francona said he thinks he needs a little time away "to step back and re-energize." Francona said he has spoken with Theo Epstein numerous times and both know each other well enough where they can be honest with one another. Francona said he does not think the Cubs' job is the right opportunity for him at this time. … [Read more...]
The Field of Six, Darvish, Cespedes, Wood, Buehrle … and Other Cubs Notes and Rumors
The Cubs list of managerial candidates went from five to six on Tuesday after the Cubs' brass "officially" added Terry Francona to the mix. Many thought Francona had been a candidate since Mike Quade was relieved of his duties a couple of weeks back ... Theo Epstein has been talking to Francona during the process to hire the Cubs' new manager. The Cubs' front office has done follow ups with each of the candidates since their formal interviews. Jed Hoyer said a favorite has not emerged among the … [Read more...]
The Field, Frontrunners, Francona and Free Agency
Could Mike Maddux have company at the top of the leaderboard? According to multiple reports Sandy Alomar, Jr. was very impressive and made an impression on the Cubs' front office during his interview. After Alomar finished meeting with the Cubs, Jed Hoyer indicated the first round of interviews could be complete. Hoyer left the door open for another possible candidate or two but indicated the process that Theo Epstein described as being in the sixth inning on Thursday probably moved into the … [Read more...]