REPORT: Eric Wedge to interview for Chicago Cubs’ manager job

The Chicago Cubs have discussed their vacant managerial position with Eric Wedge, according to the Chicago Tribune.

A scouting source confirmed the Cubs’ interest to the Tribune Friday morning and added an interview will be conducted soon. The interview is likely to be conducted following the World Series.

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Wedge, 45, has managed 10 seasons in the major leagues including coming one game shy of the 2007 World Series with the Cleveland Indians. He spent the past three seasons managing the Seattle Mariners and on Sept. 27, 2013 he resigned due to contract disputes with three games remaining in the season.

His 10 years of managerial experience and 774-846 record leads all other known candidates who have interviewed for the position. He spent seven seasons in Cleveland, including a 2007 AL Central Division title and receiving the 2007 AL Manager of the Year award before being replaced by Manny Acta. Acta is also a candidate and interview with the Cubs two and half weeks ago.

Wedge suffered a mild stroke 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.

Wedge not only has the most managerial experience of the known candidates but he is also a former catcher. The current tread in the majors is to hire a former batterymate as manager.

In this year’s World Series, former pitcher John Farrell manages the Red Sox, against former catcher Mike Matheny, who manages the Cardinals. Former Tigers manager Jim Leyland was a catcher and so was San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who won two of the last three World Series.

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