Cubs Hire Mike Quade As Manager

Apparently, there's enough room in Chicago for two 'Coach Q's.  The second, Mike Quade, was hired by the Cubs as manager on Tuesday.  Quade went 24-13 as the interim manager of the Cubs in 2010, one of the leading factors for the Cubs to choose him over Ryne Sandberg in a tight battle.  Quade was definitely the favorite among the players although many, especially those who had come through the minor league system, had good to say about Sandberg, too.  Quade earned a two-year deal after 17 years coaching in the minor leagues and the last four seasons spent as the Cubs third base coach.  This means he is very familiar with the Cubs organization and the players that play for it.  He also did not rule out bringing on Sandberg to the major league level to be a coach.

This decision could be a mistake.  Had the Cubs gone .500 under Mike Quade's interim trial, I would bet we would be sitting here talking about the hiring of Sandberg.  The main reason I have come up with for the team's vastly improved play in September is because the players were excited for a change.  Not that Lou Piniella wasn't doing the job, but just that the players woke up a little.  2010 was a dull season until Piniella retired and that was the first sign of change for after the season.  Players realized that now was the time to make their impression for 2011 because the fact that change would take place next year just got a lot more realistic.

I like Quade's attitude and baseball smarts; Cub fans now get a manager who completes his sentences and thoughts without seeming like he's daydreaming all the time.  The Cubs will be more open to change under Quade, this has already been brought up from what I've heard about the Cubs going for the low profile, in house replacement rather than going out and getting a guy like they did with Dusty Baker and Lou Piniella.  There will be no adjustment time on or off the field; the players already know Quade and most hold a high respect for him. This was the case for Baker and Piniella, as both said at one time that they 'didn't know what they were getting into' when they took the job.  Chicago is a lot to handle, but only if you aren't used to it.

Sandberg also knows almost all the players because at one point they have probably played in one of his four minor league teams, most recent Iowa (AAA) in 2010.  Sandberg also is a changed man since his playing days, as his understudies could tell you.  As a player, Sandberg is a Hall of Famer but was never a vocal leader, and kind of just settled into his role and did a fantastic job every year.  He always gave it everything, but didn't hold many negative opinions or criticisms about anything in general.  Now he criticizes what he doesn't like, a good trait of a manager.  You need somebody to be brutally honest if they are going to be a manager.  This sounds mean, but you can't let personal affection (player as a friend) get in the way of organizational decisions.  Sandberg had the traits to do it, but didn't get his name called.  Tough luck.  Sandberg will be managing in the majors within three years, I can absolutely guarantee that.  Mike Quade has a team to toy with, so Cub fans, we'll see what happens.