Chicago Cubs News: Willie Harris and the White Sox vacancy, Ian Happ, and more

The Crosstown Classic resumes tonight as the Chicago Cubs travel to the Southside for a two-game set against the Chicago White Sox.

The White Sox made news on Thursday as not only did they fire Pedro Grifol but also cleared out their bench coach, Charlie Montoyo, and their third base coach, Eddie Rodriguez.

It would seem that the White Sox will be avoiding the mistake they made with their general managerial hiring last summer and seek an external hire for their next manager. While, in theory, David Ross and Joe Maddon could be options, it seems that the White Sox are eyeing someone currently employed by another team.

Cubs third base coach Willie Harris could be among the candidates to interview with the White Sox this offseason. Harris has not been shy about his desire for a managerial gig, and if we're being honest, he likely won't return to the Cubs' coaching staff next season, with Craig Counsell having a full offseason to bring in his own guys.

Ian Happ gives a retirement gift to a former Cubs' nemesis.

Now that Adam Wainwright is retired and no longer pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals, there should be no shame in saying that he was one of the better players turned play-by-play analysts in recent memory.

To celebrate Wainwright's first year of retirement, Cubs' left fielder Ian Happ gave the former pitcher a parting gift.

Good time to remind everyone that Happ was terrific against Wainwright over the course of his career. The Cubs' Gold Glove left fielder slashed .389/.436/1.056 against Wainwright in 39 plate appearances with 7 home runs.

More on the Cubs' rumored interest in Blake Snell.

One of the surprising trade rumors at the MLB Trade Deadline was the the speculation that the Cubs were among the teams to check in on Blake Snell.

In a follow-up to the rumor, Jon Heyman of the New York Posts adds that the Cubs were among the teams concerned that Snell would pick up his $30MM option for 2025. Considering the success that Snell has had with the Giants including a recent no-hitter, it seems likely that he will once again test the free-agent waters this offseason.