Theo Epstein Drops Hints About Cubs Managerial Search
By Chris Pyo
The Chicago Cubs finished their disappointing 2019 season by parting ways with manager Joe Maddon after five years. Fans will be eternally grateful to Maddon for his help in breaking the Cubs' World Series curse after 108 years; however, a change was certainly needed in the dugout after a disappointing campaign.
And now, Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein has dropped some hints about who some of the team's targets to replace Maddon might just be.
Theo said at least one person on a playoff team, one other in the organization plus David Ross are among the candidates for manger. Assumption is Mark Loretta is one but that may not necessarily be true. Several otter behind the scenes possibilities.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) September 30, 2019
Former Cubs catcher and current ESPN analyst David Ross is among the speculated candidates, as he's expressed verbal interest for the position. Ross last played on the North Side in 2016 on their championship-winning team, and he has solid relationships with a lot of current Cubs players.
The question is, will he be able to separate personal friendships from business? That could be one of the strongest factors Epstein has to take into consideration when contemplating Ross's fit as a manager.
I completely understand how the life cycle of a manager/coach in sports works. It’s a tough industry.
— Andrew Belleson (@ChicagoCubsPA) September 29, 2019
I just never envisioned the Joe Maddon era in Chicago ending this way.
From a lifelong Cubs fan, thank you, Joe. For everything you’ve done.
2016 World Series Champion Cubs
Other potential candidates include Cubs bench coach Mark Loretta and third base coach Brian Butterfield, although all signs indicate towards Ross as the odds-on favorite to replace Maddon in the dugout as of this moment.
Maddon did a fantastic job turning the Cubs around from NL Central cellar-dwellers to playoff contenders year in, year out. Now, it'll be up to his replacement to shake things up again and bring the Cubs their second World Series championship since 1908.