Torey Lovullo: Chicago Cubs Want to Interview Boston Bench Coach

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

So far, the Chicago Cubs have interviewed four candidates to be their next manager. Former MLB managers A.J. Hinch and Manny Acta were interviewed first, followed by current San Diego Padres bench coach Rick Renteria and Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Dave Martinez, who both interviewed with President Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer earlier this week. The race for the Cubs’ manager position appears to be wide open. and the team seems willing to take their time before making a decision.

Another candidate that many, including myself, have mentioned before is current Boston Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo. According to Patrick Mooney and Dan Hayes of CSNChicago.com, the Cubs are waiting to speak with Lovullo, but must wait until the Red Sox are no longer in the playoffs.

Boston is locked in to a fantastic ALCS battle against the Detroit Tigers, and the Red Sox are heading back to Fenway Park tonight to try to clinch a World Series berth in Game 6 of the series. Obviously, the focus of Lovullo and everybody else in the Boston organization is on their World Series run, and Lovullo backed this up when asked about his connection to the Cubs job. “Right now, our focus is on what’s happening here,” Lovullo told reporters at Comerica Park. “I would like to manage one day, but I’m not here to fast forward anything or make it happen before it’s time.” Lovullo went on to say that he would consider the Cubs job if they were to approach him, but his attention right now is entirely on the Red Sox.

Lovullo does not have any major league managing experience, but he did spend nine years managing in the minor leagues. Because of his time spent in the minors, Lovullo has a reputation as a coach that is good with younger players. This is a must for the next Cubs manager and will surely be a plus for Lovullo. Also, Lovullo does have a connection with the Cubs’ front office, as he was the Triple-A manager for the Red Sox in 2010 when Epstein was the GM in Boston.

I think the Cubs are waiting around to see what happens with Boston so that they get a chance to speak to Lovullo. They do not seem to be in a huge hurry to bring in a new manager. This is a very important hire for the Cubs, and if they think that Lovullo could be the right guy, then waiting a couple of weeks to get the opportunity to speak with him is more than worth it.

Daniel is a Chicago Cubs writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @D_Schmelzer, “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.