Quade Out as Manager
Mike Quade has been let go as Cubs Manager. Official press release after the break....
CHICAGO - Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein this afternoon released the following statement after traveling to Florida to inform manager Mike 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."
Just a guess here, but I have to believe this is another sign the team will try to compete in 2012. Management would not likely go into a full-scale rebuild and saddle a new manager with a lousy team for a year before getting serious about trying to contend.
As to who might be the best candidates for manager, it is safe to assume that Theo & crew will be looking for someone to implement "The Cubs Way" at the major league level. This is likely to mean someone that is either already familiar with the Boston approach such as Dale Sveum or someone who has shown a willingness to use all available information to prepare such as a Dave Martinez down in Tampa. With Martinez' ties to the Cubs organization, he could be a very attractive candidate for the team.
Post in the comments who you'd like to see as next manager
