Chicago Cubs: 6 Fan Favorites to Become the Next Cubs Manager

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In my opinion, the time has come for the Chicago Cubs to start their search for yet another manager. Mike Quade is just not cutting it.  There are a lot of people who would love the opportunity to take the Cubs to their first World Series, but there are a few names that diehard Cub fans would love to see run this squad.

This list is just for fun, and for the most part, it is nothing to be taken seriously. As crazy as some of these upcoming candidates may seem, they may have some potential to be managers down the line. Or perhaps they would have no idea what they are doing.

There are a couple fan favorites who are legitimate contenders for the position.

Feel free to add any other ideas you have.

Kerry Wood

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Who could argue with this idea?! He might not strut the same abilities he had back in the day, but the fans love Kerry Wood.  

I am pretty sure Kerry Wood has no idea how to manage a baseball team, but he has spent plenty of time on the injured reserve to watch things from the bench. So, perhaps he has picked up things here and there.

Aside from his inexperience, Kerry Wood is a fan favorite. Whether he plays well or poorly, nobody can get mad at Kerry (see—we are even on a first name basis).  

Kerry Wood is one of those "you never know" candidates. Chances are he is going to stick around with the organization past his playing career; so yeah—you never know.

Greg Maddux

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Look at that photo. It has manager written all over it.

Maddux is by far one the most favorite Cubs of all time, as well as one of the greatest pitchers of all time.  He has spent the last few seasons working with the Chicago Cubs front office, which actually may give him a slight edge in future endeavors with the club.

No one could doubt Maddux's expertise, but he has never had any experience managing.  His brother, Mike Maddux, had a long career as a pitching coach for many squads, including NL Central rival the Milwaukee Brewers.

Maybe bringing the Maddux brothers in would be a solid one-two punch for the Chicago Cubs.

With the way things unfolded with Ryne Sandberg though, who knows how it would work out for Maddux.

Ryne Sandberg

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Speaking of Ryne Sandberg, he is another fan favorite and a possibility.

Ryno was the supposed favorite among the Cubs and their fans to take over the managerial position for the 2011 season. We all know how that turned out.

That doesn't eliminate him from actually taking the spot in the future.

Ryne Sandberg is a fan favorite, and also my personal favorite to take over the Cubs.  I just feel that a player that shares the passion to win will really translate it well with his players.  Obviously Sandberg never won a World Series with the Cubs, so who better to take them there?

Carlos Zambrano

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The North Side's Ozzie Guillen?

So much for fan favorites, but then again, he has been extremely entertaining.  Especially when he destroyed a Gatorade machine with his bat.

He has threatened to retire many times. If this time ends up being for real, though he claims it is not, Zambrano may be looking for new work away from the mound. 

The point is though, Carlos Zambrano has the passion, fire, and anger of a young Lou Pinella.  I know many of you Cub fans out there think I am crazy.  But am I?

All Carlos Zambrano ever wanted to do was play for the Cubs, win with the Cubs, and help the Cubs. Why not let him help on the managing end?

I don't think Zambrano could mentally handle a full year of managing a team, but the thought is very entertaining.

We will see how things play out after this season, and if Zambrano will ever be allowed to wear the Cubbie blue again.

Mark Grace

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Could Mark Grace become the eventual heir to the Cubs manager position?

This fan favorite would be loved in the manager spot, but the chances of that happening are probably very unlikely.

Grace has found himself in a fixture commentating for the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team he finished his career with and won a World Series.

I think if Grace was to come down from the booth, it would likely be with the Diamondbacks. If the Cubs were to come calling though, I am sure he would listen.

Joe Girardi

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The current New York Yankees Manager has had two stints with the Chicago Cubs. Could a third be in the works?

Many have wondered if Girardi would return to the Cubs, leaving those prestigious black and white pinstripes for the more friendly white and blue.

I don't know if many would view Girardi as a "fan favorite," but I think his tenure with the New York Yankees has made him become one. That being so, many Cub fans want him to return home.

I don't see Girardi leaving a great gig for a coin toss, but who knows.  He may want out from the Yankees regime.  

Only time will tell, but his experience and ever-increasing popularity with fans has made him the most coveted option among Cub fans.