As of 11:00 am CST on October 25th, Theo Epstein has been announced as the Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations. Almost immediately, there were questions about the status of Mike Quade (in fact, it was the first question asked to Theo by Bruce Levine). Further questions will arise on whether or not the organization will go after Ryne Sandberg for manager. There are only a few individuals receiving speculation as future Cubs skipper: Terry Francona, Ryne Sandberg, Red Sox Bench Coach Demarlo Hale and possibly retaining Mike Quade . However, if you read my post on Mike Quade’s managing mistakes during the first half of the season, you would see that Mike Quade just isn’t Major League managing material.
For a while now, I have wanted the Cubs to hire someone within the organization to take the reins and successfully manage the Cubs. It won’t come as much of a surprise to those who know me and some may already know who I was going to nominate before they even read the title- I want Bob Brenly to manage the Chicago Cubs.
After listening to Bob Brenly commentate Cubs games for seven years, it is painfully evident that he needs to be managing the team. He has never been afraid to speak his mind about the team and players and to occasionally bite the hand that feeds him (something that pushed Steve Stone to the Southside). His opinions and backhanded pieces of commentary have always been intelligent and fitting that I just want to appoint him to the managing position myself.
After Alfonso Soriano was struggling defensively against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 2008 season, Brenly stated, “you could probably throw a dart in the Cubs dugout and hit a better fielder than Alfonso Soriano”. And he was right.
At the end of the 2011 season, Brenly wasn’t afraid to criticize Aramis Ramirez by calling him a “numbers gatherer”. And he was right. Aramis Ramirez has never missed an opportunity to pad his stats.
Furthermore, it’s not like Brenly is completely satisfied with calling Cubs games. His reactions and commentary to different situations on the field shine a light on the fact that he still has the itch to manage. In years past, he has been considered for the Milwaukee Brewers managing job multiple times and he interviewed for the Cubs managing spot in 2010.
A great Chicago Cubs blog site called Bleacher Nation has two awesome articles detailing Brenly’s situation. First, one stating that Brenly removed his name from consideration in 2010 because he knew the team would struggle in 2011 (something my Dad identified as it happened. Good call, Dad). Second, an article saying Brenly “would love” to manage the Cubs in 2012. (Also, props to micubs.com and aeryssports.com for always having great Cubs posts as well.)
So yes, now would be a good time to give Ryne Sandberg another chance to interview for Cubs skipper and to even hire him. I wouldn’t be opposed to it and in fact, I would love it. However, I feel like Bob Brenly would be the best option and his philosophy would be a great match for the team.
Besides, he shares something in common with other great Chicago coaches. Phil Jackson, Mike Ditka, Ozzie Guillen (sigh) and Joel Quenneville all had mustaches while winning championships for Chicago. As long as Bob Brenly doesn’t shave, he could do the same.
What do you think about Brenly for manager? Let me know in the comments section.
If you’re interested in reading even more about the Cubs and other topics, head over to Brian Tarman’s personal blog, The Clark and Addison Street Journal. Also, follow him on Twitter- @TarmanBrian.