Certainly no surprise as the Cubs have dismissed manager Mike Quade who managed the Northsiders for just over a year, taking over when Lou Piniella left midway through the 2010 season and then leading the team to a 71-91 finish in 2011. Quade was tight with former general manager Jim Hendry, and his future was sealed after Hendry was fired and replaced atop the Cubs’ baseball hierarchy by Theo Epstein. Epstein flew to Florida on Wednesday to tell Quade in person that he was not being retained. His contract runs through 2012.Quade, a 54-year-old baseball lifer, was something of a controversial choice last winter, with many Cubs fans favoring Ryne Sandberg. Sandberg, a Hall of Fame second baseman with the Cubs, left the organization and spent this season managing the Phillies‘ Triple-A team in Lehigh Valley.Sandberg however is not being considered,and was told so by Epstein who said that the new manager “must have managerial or coaching experience at the major-league level.” Sandberg has neither but the Cardinals received permission from the Phillies to talk to him about replacing Tony LaRussa.
Epstein praised Quade for his “passion, knowledge of the game, commitment and integrity.While Mike is clearly an asset to any organization and any major-league staff, [general manager Jed Hoyer] and I believe the Cubs would benefit long-term from bringing in a manager for 2012 who can come in with a clean slate and offer new direction.”
Epstein said the search process will begin immediately.
“We are looking for someone with whom and around whom we can build a foundation for sustained success,” Epstein said. “The next manager must have leadership and communication skills; he must place an emphasis on preparation and accountability; he must establish high standards and a winning culture; he must have integrity and an open mind; and he must have managerial or coaching experience at the major-league level.”

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