On Wednesday, the Chicago Cubs fired manager Mike Quade, according to an article by ESPNChicago.com.  The most likely successor would be fan favorite Ryne Sandberg, but president of baseball operations, Theo Epstein, has already ruled him out.

“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.”

“Theo called me 10 minutes after they issued the press release (on Quade) and told me that they have a list of guys and I’m not on it,” Sandberg said. “He wished me good luck and said he hoped I got a chance somewhere soon.

“He didn’t owe me that at all. He didn’t have to do that. It was a classy move and I’m very appreciative of the phone call. In the end, I wished him and everybody there good luck.”

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