Chicago Cubs: 5 Managers Theo Epstein Could Go After to Reverse the Curse

One of the first moves fans expect Theo Epstein to make when he takes over the Chicago Cubs front office is removing current manager Mike Quade.

Quade was Cubs ex-GM Jim Hendry's hire, and he didn't show much success in his first season.

Player's didn't play hard, and Quade already seemed to be in a lame duck position half way through the season.

Epstein will likely want to insert his own choice, and that will be his first move.

In order to build the team he wants, he needs a manager he wants. 

There are a few options out there, but no one really knows what is in Epstein's plans at the moment.

Whoever Epstein does decide to go with though, he hopes that they will be able to help him have the same success he did in Boston and rid the Chicago Cubs of their World Series curse.

Here are five guys who could be taking over the Chicago Cubs come next spring.

Terry Francona

Could Epstein hire the guy who he just parted ways with in Boston?

Yes.

I find it hard to believe that Theo Epstein had much to do with Francona leaving.

For Francona to step down and for Epstein to leave for the Cubs, there must be much more going on in Boston with the higher power.

In Boston, Epstein and Francona put together eight seasons with winning records. In eight of those seasons, the Red Sox made the playoffs six times while winning the World Series twice.

Francona understands the pressure of a big market, and the pressures of a franchise in much need of a title.

I think these two are more likely to join up in Chicago than some think.

Ryne Sandberg

Theo Epstein took a risk with Terry Francona back in Boston, so it isn't out of the question that he would consider bringing in a rookie manager in Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg.

Sandberg, of course, was heavily favored by fans to get the job just a year ago, but after he lost the gig, he left to coach the Phillies' minor league system.

The Cubs could essentially bring him back, but that would be up to Ryno and the Phillies.

It would be hard for them to deny him a promotion, but word is they possibly see him being in their future as well.

With Hendry out of the picture, it is very plausible that Ryno will give the Cubs another chance if they come calling.

Bob Brenly

Currently, Bob Brenly is the Chicago Cubs' television commentator.

Brenly, though, was a highly successful manager, winning the World Series with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001.

Brenly has been around the Cubs organization for seven seasons now, so he knows the ins and outs of the team.

Of course, he hasn't managed since 2004, but that doesn't mean he isn't a viable candidate.

For one, Brenly does have a winning record, at 303-262, but he has only managed one team and that was for four seasons.

I think Brenly could still be a great manager, but one has to wonder why he has never been given another chance.

Brenly has stated that if the Cubs are interested, they know where to find him.

Bruce Bochy

The San Francisco Giants' 2010 World Series manager Bruce Bochy is due for a new contract once the season ends.

The Giants will likely look to retain him, but that doesn't mean he won't explore other options.

Over the years, Bochy has become one of the more recognizable candidates, and brought a struggling Giants team success.

The Chicago Cubs may find Bochy as an attractive option because of the success he had with not a whole lot.

The Giants were a building process, but they were able to get in all the right pieces to become a championship team.

This year, the Giants missed the playoffs after losing out to the Diamondbacks. 

We will have to see if that is enough to make both sides want to explore their options this winter.

Tony LaRussa

Now, if the St. Louis Cardinals win the World Series, you can just throw this option away. But in the meantime, it is worth discussing.

Tony LaRussa is no stranger to the NL Central or Chicago, as he was the manager of the Chicago White Sox years back. It also has been no secret that LaRussa and the Cardinals ownership haven't always been on the same page with one another.

Epstein may be the guy who can lure LaRussa away from St. Louis and to their rival Cubs.

LaRussa has a proven track record, and perhaps if the Cubs do decide to go after Pujols, either man could be the reason for bringing the other to Chicago.

Once again, we first have to see what happens in the NLCS.

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