Padres' front office squabble could still steal key coach from Cubs

After the Chicago Cubs eliminated the San Diego Padres in the National League Wild Card round, things got awkward in San Diego. There was an embarrassing video showing Padres' players going after the umpires after Game 3 against the Cubs, and a few days after, Mike Shildt made the sudden decision to "retire as the Padres manager."

Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty was believed to be a strong candidate to replace Shildt, but once the finalists were revealed earlier this week, Flaherty was not among the names revealed. Albert Pujols is believed to be the favorite for the job, but a report from the New York Post's Jon Heyman still has Flaherty as a candidate.

The premise of Heyman's report was that it isn't a foregone conclusion that Pujols will get the job, and that some within the Padres' front office are pushing for Flaherty.

Padres’ internal battle might pry key coach away from Cubs

For Flaherty, it would appear that his options are down to becoming the next manager of the Padres or returning to the Cubs. Flaherty interviewed with the Baltimore Orioles earlier this offseason, but the Orioles opted to hire Craig Albernaz.

With the Minnesota Twins and Washington Nationals also finding new managers this week, that leaves open jobs with the Atlanta Braves and Colorado Rockies. Flaherty hasn't been linked to either team.

Meanwhile, Pujols, beyond the Padres, has been linked to the Orioles and Los Angeles Angels this offseason. The early impression was that Pujols would land with the Angels, considering the connection, but the two sides were unable to agree on contract terms. The Angels wound up hiring Kurt Suzuki on a one-year contract with multiple options.

Pujols' rise as a managerial candidate has been curious, as he has yet to hold a coaching position at either the minor league or Major League level. Pujols was a manager in the Dominican league earlier this season, and is currently tapped to manage the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic next Spring.

Flaherty's status seems to be the only question mark remaining on the Cubs' coaching staff this offseason. Alex Smith, a Major League coach involved in data and information gathering, has left the Cubs in favor of a role with the Detroit Tigers. No other coaching changes are expected for the Cubs.