While the Red Sox and Cubs are still trying to negotiate compensation for the Cubs hiring Theo Epstein as team president, questions continue to mount over the future of manager Mike Quade. Prior to the firing of General Manager Jim Hendry, it seemed Quade's job was safe for one more season. Though Quade could still be retained, it has become evident that Theo will want to put his own stamp on this team. Theo was also part of a staff in Boston that dismisses the importance of the manager and didn't want the manager to be a central figure in the attention of the organization. This could bode well for Quade, who is a type of manager that doesn't command much attention. Also, if Theo takes the long road to build the Cubs back to prominence, who the manager is now may not be the biggest deal at this moment. And if thats the case, why not stick with a manager who has only been there for a year plus?
If Theo decides to bring in his own manager, former Red Sox coach DeMarlo Hale, Tampa coach Dave Martinez and former White Sox coach Joey Cora could be favorites for the Cubs job as they fit the mode of the behind the scenes type, who will just follow orders from the front office. That assumes Theo will run a similar type of organization to that of the Red Sox.
As far as Francona, the difference between Francona then and Francona now is that he now comes with the resume of two World Series Championships and may want more say in personnel in Chicago than in Boston. Also, there is no evidence that there is even a solid relationship at this point between Theo and Francona. Nobody knows how much of Francona leaving was Terry's own feeling and how much of it was ownership and the opinion of Theo Epstein himself. Right now, they have the fact that Red Sox had no problem with the two of them leaving in common. Maybe the thought of turning the Cubs around together could form a common bond. Personally I don't see it. I think that Francona takes the year off and takes the top job next year. I am more in favor of either Hale, Martinez or Cora giving the Cubs a fresh start with a roster than hopefully gives fans an entirely different look.
If Theo decides to bring in his own manager, former Red Sox coach DeMarlo Hale, Tampa coach Dave Martinez and former White Sox coach Joey Cora could be favorites for the Cubs job as they fit the mode of the behind the scenes type, who will just follow orders from the front office. That assumes Theo will run a similar type of organization to that of the Red Sox.
As far as Francona, the difference between Francona then and Francona now is that he now comes with the resume of two World Series Championships and may want more say in personnel in Chicago than in Boston. Also, there is no evidence that there is even a solid relationship at this point between Theo and Francona. Nobody knows how much of Francona leaving was Terry's own feeling and how much of it was ownership and the opinion of Theo Epstein himself. Right now, they have the fact that Red Sox had no problem with the two of them leaving in common. Maybe the thought of turning the Cubs around together could form a common bond. Personally I don't see it. I think that Francona takes the year off and takes the top job next year. I am more in favor of either Hale, Martinez or Cora giving the Cubs a fresh start with a roster than hopefully gives fans an entirely different look.
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