REPORT: Mike Maddux not a Cubs candidate

July 12, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Texas Rangers pitching coach

(31) runs off the field against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

According to Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, Texas Rangers pitching coach is not a candidate for the Cubs’ managerial vacancy at this time.

Maddux had emerged in several local reports in the last two days as a potential candidate to replace the recently dismissed Dale Sveum should Joe Girardi sign a new deal with the Yankees. Despite his interest, it appears that Maddux will not be coming to Chicago.

That narrows the list of potential candidates to the same names we heard earlier this week: Sandy Alomar Jr., A.J. Hinch, Manny Acta and Dave Johnson. Hinch has major ties to current Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer from their respective time in San Diego. Acta spent time at the helm of both the Indians and the Nationals, while Johnson has been an integral part of the youth movement’s success in Tampa Bay.

Another potential fit that could work would be another Yankees staff member, Tony Pena. Pena has spent the past five seasons as the bench coach in New York under Joe Girardi, and has also spent time managing during his career. He spent several seasons managing the Kansas City Royals, winning American League Manager of the Year in his first season, 2003, in which the team went 84-78.

No further word on whether the Cubs have had any type of internal discussions concerning Mike Maddux’s brother, former Chicago pitcher Greg Maddux, for any type of vacancy, but for the time being, it appears we can cross Mike Maddux off the short list.