Cubs interview former Indians’ skipper Wedge for managing job
The Chicago Cubs have begun their formal process in search of a new manager following Lou Piniella’s retirement this past weekend. The Cubs interviewed former Cleveland Indians’ manager Eric Wedge regarding their available position at manager.
Wedge was the Indians’ manager from 2003-09, his best season coming in 2007 when the Indians won the AL Central. They went on to beat the New York Yankees in the ALDS and built a 3-1 lead on the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS. That’s when things fell apart as the Indians blew the series lead, being outscored by the Red Sox 30-5 through Games 5-7. Wedge was awarded for Cleveland’s successful season with the Manager of the Year award.
The Indians have not reached the post-season since and announced last year that they wouldn’t be retaining Wedge as their manager this season. In the final year of his contract, Wedge is still being paid through this season.
Wedge won over 500 games with the Indians but the team began to suffer from losing pitching aces C.C Sabathia and Cliff Lee. Both did not appear to be resigning with the team and were traded; Sabathia to the Brewers in 2008 and Lee to the Phillies last year.
While the Cubs gave Wedge the first interview, they are expected to wait until the end of the season to hire a new manager. Names that have surfaced include Bobby Valentine, Ryne Sandberg and former Florida Marlins’ manager Fredi Gonzalez. Current interim manager Mike Quade will also be interviewed by the organization.
A strong possibility would be former Cubs’ catcher and current Yankees manager Joe Girardi. Girardi is in the final year of his contract with the Yankees and he has not yet discussed an extension with the team. Sources close to Girardi have said he’d be very interested in the Cubs job if he does not return to the Bronx after this season.
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