MLB notes: Quade picked to lead Cubs
The Chicago Cubs will keep Mike Quade as their manager, choosing to go with the man who ran the team well for the last six weeks of last season rather than a higher-profile name like Hall of Famer and franchise icon Ryne Sandberg.
Quade, the team’s third-base coach the past four years, was given a two-year contract Tuesday along with a club option for 2013. He served as interim manager after Lou Piniella abruptly stepped down in late August to tend to family issues, leading the team to a 24-13 record.
The job will be his first as a major league manager.
The hire is the first under new owner Tom Ricketts, who watched the Cubs finish out of the playoffs yet again. Chicago’s infamous World Series championship drought now stands at 102 years.
“We believe that Mike can coach, manage and win for the Chicago Cubs,” Ricketts said.
There was speculation that general manager Jim Hendry might hire Sandberg, the manager at Triple-A Iowa, or a former major league manager like Eric Wedge, who took Seattle’s job, or Bob Melvin.
Hendry called Sandberg “a great candidate,” but said: “At the end of the day, I felt Mike Quade was the best manager for the Chicago Cubs.”
Sandberg told the Chicago Tribune he was “disappointed” and will continue to pursue other managing jobs.
Asked if he would return to Iowa, the North Central High graduate told the newspaper: “I don’t know. I’m hoping there’s something else out there. I’m hoping to manage or coach at the big-league level.”
Jays interview Alomar
Sandy Alomar, a six-time All-Star catcher with Cleveland, has interviewed for the manger’s job in Toronto, a person familiar with the situation told the Associated Press.
It was Alomar’s third interview with the Blue Jays, with the first two taking place over the phone. Alomar, who has never managed at any level, is believed to be a finalist for the opening.
Pitcher Ted Lilly signed a three-year, $33 million deal to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The two-time All-Star recently completed a four-year, $40 million contract and could’ve become a free agent. … The Atlanta Braves released outfielder Melky Cabrera and also let go of right-hander Takashi Saito. … Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo signed a five-year contract extension through 2015 and was promoted to executive vice president of baseball operations, giving him more control over the franchise and a direct line to the team’s owners. … Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker had heart surgery in Milwaukee that repaired a tear from a previous valve replacement. Doctors said the operation was successful. … The Boston Red Sox are adding high-definition video screens as they keep refurbishing the nation’s oldest big league ballpark.