Will new Cubs GM Theo Epstein bring on Ryne Sandberg to manage?

By Kris Hughes

 

The rumors which have been circulating for several weeks have become true, as the Chicago Cubs have lured former Boston Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein to the Windy City to take over for Jim Hendry, effective immediately.

Epstein’s deal reportedly is for five years and more than $15 million, and could potentially include the departure of a Cubs prospect or other financial considerations from the Cubs.

Many in the baseball press are already considering this move by the Ricketts family, and Cubs’ managing partners, as a coup, one that could change the face of a perenially struggling franchise.

While it’s obvious that Epstein’s focus will be on player development, scouting, and rebuilding the farm system into his own image, could a change be made at manager as well?

Could Epstein make a true overhaul– one that Cubs fans have wanted for some time– and bring Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg back into the fold to replace Mike Quade, and manage the team going forward?

Mike Quade at best is a witty and genial guy who can occasionally get the best out of his players. At worst, he seems a little clueless and in over his head. During the course of the 2011 season, we undoubtedly saw glimpses of both.

According to several sources, Epstein had pursued Ryne Sandberg last winter to manage the Red Sox’ Triple A affiliate in Pawtucket, an effort which ultimately came up short as Sandberg landed with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs instead.

When the Ricketts family made the decision to hire Mike Quade as the Cubs’ full-time manager, and ended his “interim” status following a successful end to the 2010 season, there were plenty of upset folks that Sandberg was not given his first big league opportunity by the team that helped him become a legend.

These same voices will now be sure to rise and ask Epstein to finally bring Sandberg back to the fold, and for the duo to work together to first bring the Cubs back to competitiveness, and then to work toward the ever-elusive World Series appearance.

Ryne Sandberg certainly would appear to be a great fit given the timing. If the Cubs struggle for a few years as Epstein makes his mark on player development and scouting, with Sandberg as the manager, Cubs fans will be much less likely to revolt than if someone like Quade is patrolling the clubhouse.

The cache a player develops– especially a player like Sandberg–tends to buy them some time in head coaching gigs, regardless of sport. Epstein basically buys himself a window of time he couldn’t otherwise obtain by hiring Sandberg.

Seems like a no-brainer to me.

Are the Ricketts family thinking the same way?

If so, their input could be enough to encourage Epstein to make his first big organizational splash upon arriving in Chicago.

 

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