Cubbies Crib: Morning Marquee 10/21

Sunday marked the first Sunday since mid-February there was no baseball action yet there was news from around the league. The Cubs are reportedly interested in Texas Rangers’ pitching coach Mike Maddux again to be the next manager for the team. The Cubs managerial candidates pool now stands at six with Maddux’s name added to the mix.

Around the league, free agents Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher) and Brian McCann (Atlanta Braves catcher) look to sign record breaking contracts with numerous teams interested in them. Also, National League Division foe, Cincinnati is looking to trade All-Star second baseman Brandon Phillips, who consistently battles Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney for the gold glove award.

Cubs Den: Cubs expanding search, what does it mean?

Chicago Tribune: Candidates all fit the bill

Bleacher Report: Mike Olt Should Not Make Opening Day Roster

CSN Chicago: State of the Cubs: Looking ahead to Starlin Castro and Javier Baez

ESPN New York: Backman still expected to remain with Mets

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Pirates sign trio of players from Mexico

Cincinnati.com: Reds seem interested in trading Phillips

NBC Sports Hardball Talk: The Braves would have interest in Brandon Phillips if the Reds take Dan Uggla back

CBS Sports: McCann may hit HR as free agent: Bo Sox, Yanks, Rangers, etc. in play

ESPN MLB: Ban on plate collisions seen as likely

Redbird Rants: St. Louis Cardinals seek redemption for the 2004 World Series

BoSox Injection: Meet the Bardinals, Sox World Series foe

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