Sveum’s future to be determined on Monday

Jul 23, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs manager

(4) argues with umpire Dana DeMuth during the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Dale Sveum could be entering his final days as the manager of the Chicago Cubs.

According to reports from MLB.com Cubs beat writer Carrie Muskat, Sveum will learn Monday whether or not he and members of his coaching staff will return next season. Sveum is entering the third and final year of his contract with Chicago.

"I’m not going to sit here and lie and say you’re not wondering what’s going to happen in four to five days from now. That’s just human nature, but there’s nothing you can do about it or control those decisions. You just keep plugging away."

Sveum has a 127-194 (.394) record in two seasons as the Cubs’ skipper, including a 66-93 mark this season, but based on statements by the Cubs front office, this won’t be a determining factor in whether or not Sveum is brought back next season.

Rumors have linked the Cubs to current Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who attended Northwestern and is a Peoria, Illinois native. Girardi was drafted by the Cubs in 1986 and returned one more time in his career, catching for Chicago in the 2000 season.

With the Cubs likely still at least one year away from being a legitimate contender, those who follow the Cubs are seemingly split on whether or not Sveum should be brought back. Some believe that he has done the best job he could have with the roster he was provided with. Others believe that the team has lost direction, especially in the season’s second half, where the Cubs have sputtered their way to the finish.

Personally, I think if you have a chance to pursue a manager like Girardi, you have to take that chance. You can’t hold onto Sveum in hopes that things get better and you can chase after a new manager after the 2014 season. While Girardi remains the most prominent, and likely, candidate available on the market this winter, there are several other managers who could be available, including Mike Scioscia and Ron Gardenhire, among others.

Who do you want to see at the helm of the Cubs next season? Let us know by Tweeting us @CubbiesCrib.