Mike Quade Has Zero Chance to Manage Cubs in 2011

The Cubs say Mike Quade is a candidate for the open managerial position, but my gut says otherwise.

It’s unlikely Jim Hendry could withstand the backlash of hiring Quade; not with Ryno waiting in the wings, Joe Girardi as a free agent, and Bob Brenly’s availability, just to name a few.

Hiring Quade would raise an already unstable intensity in Wrigleyville to dangerous heights.

The first sign of strife in 2011 would put Quade under immense pressure, more so than the norm, and culture an environment that prevents winning and breeds more unpleasantries.

Such a scenario would certainly spell the end for Hendry too, and especially if the other managerial candidates find success on the field elsewhere.

The way I see it, Hendry is rewarding Quade for toeing the company line for eight years, and his "audition" in 2010 isn’t for the Cubs’ managerial hunt, but rather serves as a resume builder for Quade to skipper elsewhere in the bigs.

It’s a nice gesture from Hendry, and also the most politically correct move considering bench coach Alan Trammel is no longer a candidate.

Nothing against Quade, either. The man’s earned an opportunity to skipper in the bigs, but his timing to do so with Chicago couldn’t be worse.