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The Chicago Cubs fired manager Mike Quade on Wednesday, and president of
baseball operations Theo Epstein said the search for his successor begins
immediately.
Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer met with Quade last week at Wrigley
Field and spoke again by phone Tuesday after Hoyer's introductory press
conference. Epstein flew to Florida to tell Quade that he would not return.
"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," Epstein said in a release. "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."
Quade had one year and $1 million remaining on a two-year deal he signed last
November. The deal carried a club option for 2013.
The Cubs finished 71-91, which was Quade's first full season as a big league
manager after taking over for Lou Piniella late in the 2010 season. Quade's
overall record is 95-104.
"The managerial search process begins immediately," Epstein said. "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."
The last part of that statement would seem to exclude the candidate who may
have generated the most speculation. Ryne Sandberg was a Hall of Fame second
baseman for the Cubs who became a highly successful minor league manager in
the Cubs organization before managing the Philadelphia Phillies Triple-A team
last season.
But Sandberg, who has no experience managing or coaching on the major league
level, does not seem to fit Epstein's list of qualification to be the next
Cubs manager.