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Cubs Fri Nov 04 2011
Cubs Dump Quade, Move On to Manager Search
Oh Mike Quade ... won't see him no more.
The axe has fallen, and the Quade Era in Chicago ends after a little more than one year. He finished 95-104, and in his one complete season, the Cubs finished a disappointing 71-91.
Although this change was inevitable, one has to feel a little bad for Quade. He seemed like a likeable guy, known for his high energy, tough demeanor and workmanlike attitude. He even took the Red Line to work early in the season.
And it's not as if Quade made the roster moves to construct this fifth-place team.
Yet it was still the right move for Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer to cut ties with him. Fans should expect sweeping changes across the organization, and this is one of them.
The firing went about as smoothly as any firing could be. Epstein had nice things to say about Quade; Quade had nice things to say about Epstein, Hoyer, and the Cubs. Of course, the now ex-manager wasn't happy about the situation ("You're disappointed, you're bitter, you're mad -- a million things," Quade said), but each side handled things professionally.
Reports say the Cubs are looking for a manager with big league experience, who could help the team long-term (again, "sustained success"). Chicago wants a clean slate. That's why Ryne Sandberg was ruled out.
Now the question is, who will the Cubs get to replace Quade? Names include Brewers bench coach Dale Sveum, Red Sox bench coach DeMarlo Hale, Rays bench coach Dave Martinez, Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux, Indians bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr., and not surprisingly, recently relieved Red Sox manager Terry Francona.
With the changes made, Theo in place, a big market and a worthy curse-reversing challenge ahead, the Cubs will probably get whoever they want for manager. Things are looking up for the North Siders.
As for Quade? He's knows baseball, and he's a hard worker who has a chip on his shoulder now. (Cubs.com said Quade laughed and said he would do whatever he could to beat the Cubs). He should be able to latch onto a team and contribute to the coaching staff, if he's not signed as a manager.
Either way, ever since Epstein offered a non-answer on the manager spot at the podium the day of his opening press conference, the Quade firing was a given. Now begins yet another search for a franchise building block.
