Sources close to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times say that former Florida Marlins manager, Fredi Gonzalez, is at the top of Cubs’ general manager Jim Hendry’s wish list at this stage of the process. Wittenmyer adds that Hendry prefers a manager with Major League experience, so sentimental favorite, Ryne Sandberg, may not get his opportunity to lead his former team.

”I don’t have anything I can tell you,” Hendry said, ”except Jim and I go back to my high school days. He coached one of the opposing teams when I played. And we worked together with the Marlins.”

Hendry declined to comment on whether Gonzalez had interviewed or expected to interview. But indications are that he’s in the first group of candidates on Hendry’s list. Hendry is expected to complete his interview with Sandberg this week.

Other candidates include interim manager Mike Quade and current New York Yankees manager, Joe Girardi, should he become available.