Fredi Gonzalez Nixes The Cubs

The Chicago Cubs managerial search took a hit yesterday, as the Cubs lost what some may have considered their top candidate to become the next manager. As Fredi Gonzalez has turned down an interview request from the Chicago Cubs, according to AOL Fanhouse. It was a mere three weeks ago when the Chicago Sun Times tabbed Gonzalez as the leading candidate for the opening.

This only adds to the speculation that Fredi Gonzalez is the heir apparent in Atlanta, once Braves manager Bobby Cox retires after the season. As expected, Jim Hendry will not comment on Gonzalez’s denial, considering he has made a commitment to not publicly express how the interviews were going.

The leading candidates for the Cubs managerial opening are fan favorite Ryne Sandberg, Washington Nationals third base coach Pat Listach,former Indians manager Eric Wedge, current interim manager Mike Quade, and broadcaster Bob Brenly.

However, the Cubs still would prefer to wait for Joe Girardi before making any final decisions.  As long as Girardi is perceived to be available, the Chicago Cubs will not make any final decisions for their next manager. Sources close to Girardi insist that he would like to stay with the Yankees, but he is very tempted by fulfilling his dream and managing the Chicago Cubs.

Since Fredi Gonzalez scratched his name off the list, Cubbies Crib has now decided to endorse Bob Brenly for the next manager of the Chicago Cubs. Brenly in a lot of ways would be the perfect choice considering that he has had success in the past, knows a lot about the game, and can work well with young players.  As much as some Cubs fans don’t want to hear it, I do not feel confident in Ryne Sandberg. I feel that he should not be given something simply because he is a former cub and fan favorite. When dealing with the Chicago Cubs, I would at least like to have a manager who has major league experience as a manager.