After 102 years without a championship, the Chicago Cubs will turn to Mike Quade to right the ship. No pressure, pal.Quade was the team’s third base coach for the past four seasons before serving as the interim manager after Lou Piniella went home to take care of his sick mama in August.
After leading the Cubs to a 24-13 record under his supervision, Quade was handed a two-year contract with a club option for 2013 on Tuesday.
The Northsiders finished the season at 75-87, which is just not good enough for a team whose payroll is roughly $145 million.
New owner Tom Ricketts and general manager Jim Hendry had a few options to put at the helm. There was speculation that Cubs Hall of Famer and Triple-A Iowa manager Ryne Sandberg might get the job, or a former big league manager like Bob Melvin or Eric Wedge, who was recently hired by the Seattle Mariners. New York Yankees skipper Joe Girardi was also rumored to be sought after, as well as Cubs bench coach Alan Trammell and announcer Bob Brenly.
Instead, they went the thrifty route. Quade -- which is actually pronounced KWAH-dee if you weren't aware -- is a Chicago-area native. Points on the board. He has managed over 2,300 minor league games between the Montreal, Philadelphia, Oakland and Chicago farm systems. Good luck buddy!
[Big League Stew]
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