Why The 2011 Chicago Cubs Should Be Managed By Ryne Sandberg

Mike Quade, the new manager who just managed his first three victories in the majors over Washington, is now the popular choice for manager of the Cubs. However, knowing that the Cubs are going for a youth movement over the next few years, they should have a manager who is going to grow with them.

Enter Ryne Sandberg.

Sandberg was the anchor at second base for the Cubs for over a decade. He is one of only six Cubs to have their number retired, and the last three years has worked his way the through the Cubs farm system, now managing the Triple-A Iowa Cubs.

He is a popular Cub, and would be a logical move to get older fans back to support the team. After Hendry's spending spree, notably Soriano, Fukudome, Zambrano, Ramirez, Lee, and most infamously Bradley, Hendry has upset most Cubs fans with the recent performance of the team since the 2008 playoff collapse.

The Cubs' new owners, the Ricketts family, are about cutting payroll and remodeling Wrigley Field in the immediate future. They need someone to fill the seats over the next two years while remodeling is being completed. Ryne Sandberg is the man to fill the seats.

Sandberg has the blessing of many of his current players in the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, and those players will be playing long after Soriano and Fukudome are gone, so the decision should be made with the future in mind.

Though the Cubs have many bad contracts, notably Soriano for the next four years and Zambrano for the next three, they still have Tyler Colvin, Starlin Castro, Blake Dewitt, and Geovany Soto on the field all under 30. They also have Casey Coleman and Andrew Cashner in the bullpen or rotation. Carlos Marmol, Tom Gorzelanny, Thomas Diamond, and Randy Wells are all under 30 as well.

There are many good candidates for the next manger, including Joe Girardi, another area name, Joe Torre, veteran manager formerly with the Yankees and currently with the Dodgers. Tony La Russa, formerly with the White Sox and Athletics and currently the with Cardinals. Mike Quade will be on the list as well.

Jim Hendry is on the hot seat with many fans, but probably will not be fired before his contract expires in 2012. Hendry has taken criticism by fans throughout the last two years, but if he hires Sandberg, it would be a winner all the way around.