Many Cubs fans were heartbroken (what else is new?) when the team announced they would drop the interim tag for manager Mike Quade. Quade took over the job in August when Lou Piniella announced he was stepping down to be with his mother. The Cubs had some success under Quade going 24-13 and that was enough reason for the organization to retain him as the team’s manager.
The decision upset many Cubs fans who were eager to see franchise legend Ryne Sandberg get a shot. Ryno had been managing in the minor leagues since 2006 and was named the PCL Manager of the Year for the Iowa Cubs this past season. The Hall of Famer was understandably upset that the Cubs passed him over for the job and he has responded by leaving the organization.
Sandberg was offered the chance to go back to Iowa to manage their Triple-A team but he’s decided to move on to another organization. GM Jim Hendry says he’s hopeful the organization will be able to hook up with Ryne in the future, but I’m guessing it will take plenty of time for Sandberg to get over the snub.
This sounds like a Mike Scioscia situation in the making. Scioscia was a fan favorite serving as a catcher for the Dodgers his entire 13-year career. The Dodgers overlooked him as the team’s manager so he went to the Angels and has become one of the best and most respected managers in the game. Hendry better hope the same thing doesn’t happen with Sandberg otherwise this will go next to the Billy Goat on the list of Cubs curses.
