Former Seattle Mariners skipper Eric Wedge interviewed for Chicago Cubs’ manager job

The Chicago Cubs interviewed Eric Wedge on Tuesday at Wrigely Field for the vacant manager job

Wedge, 45, was the 2007 American League Manager of the Year when the Cleveland Indians won 96 games and won the AL Central. He finished with a 561-573 record in Cleveland and was fired after a 97-loss season in 2009.

Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Wedge had been the Seattle Mariners’ manager since 2011, compiling a 213-273 record. He suffered a minor stroke this season on July 22 and missed 28 games during August before returning for the final five weeks.

His stroke came when the Mariners were on an eight game winning streak in a competitive AL West division. During his recovery he changed his diet, exercise and dealt with the stress of his job. He resigned on Sept. 27, 2013 due to contract disputes with three games remaining in the season.

He is the fifth candidate to interview with the Cubs about the managerial opening, joining San Diego Padres’ bench coach Rick Renteria and assistant general manager A.J. Hinch, Tampa Rays’ bench coach Dave Martinez, and former Washington Nationals’ and Indians’ manager Manny Acta. His 10 years of managerial experience and 774-846 record leads all other known candidates.

Boston Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo is also said to be on the Cubs’ list. The 48-year-old Luvullo, is unable to interview until after the World Series. Theo Epstein, Cubs president of baseball operations, hired Lovullo to manage Boston’s Triple-A Pawtucket in 2010.

Epstein has set a deadline to have a new skipper by Nov. 11 when the General Manager Meetings are held.

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