Chicago Cubs: Two big-name targets who could replace Jim Hickey

Although it appears the Chicago Cubs have a strong in-house candidate to replace Jim Hickey, Theo Epstein will also interview several external candidates.

Yesterday, we touched on the reported front-runner to replace Jim Hickey, current Chicago Cubs run prevention specialist and former big leaguer Tommy Hottovy. But, according to Bruce Levine of 670 AM WSCR, he won’t be the only person the team talks to about its pitching coach vacancy.

Of course, Hickey stepped down from his role last week after a long silence about his job security after the season ended prompted questions from fans and media alike. Under Hickey, Chicago relievers ranked second in all of baseball with a 3.35 ERA and the staff as a whole trailed only the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers with a 3.65 ERA across 1476 1/3 frames this year.

But after the longtime Joe Maddon confidant resigned, citing ‘personal reasons’, the Cubs will once again look to find the man to shape a staff bursting with talent – albeit facing its fair share of issues.

In addition to Hottovy, Theo Epstein is expected to sit down with two former big league skippers, as well, in John Farrell and Bryan Price. Both have a great deal of experience as Major League pitching coaches, as well – and there are far-reaching implications and dots that could be connected should either man get the job.