Mike Quade Fired: Why Ryne Sandberg Won't Be Next Cubs Manager

The end of the World Series is drawing plenty of action from the 28 teams that weren't involved in the Fall Classic. 

Today, some news broke from a team that's already generated plenty of news and attention this offseason. 

Wednesday, November 2 at 2:37 p.m. ET

Major League Baseball reported via its official Twitter page that the Chicago Cubs will have a different manager in 2011. 

Frankly, that's not shocking news. Still, it is noteworthy. But who will be the new manager of the Cubs? The answer to that may be a little more surprising. 

A tweet from Brad Radice was one of many to come from Cubs fans pleading for Cubs Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg to return to the North Side as the skipper. 

There's one slight problem with that wish, and it's not a small one.

Wednesday, November 2 at 2:38 p.m. ET

John Morosi of Fox Sports noted that Sandberg doesn't quite meet one of Theo Epstein's requirements. 

That's a pretty glaring problem, and it won't be overcome. Epstein would look really bad if he made such a statement, and then hired someone without any experience. 

Whether you think Sandberg would be a good manager or not, that move would make it seem like the Cubs just couldn't land a single manager with any Major League managing experience. I highly doubt that's the case, but perception is reality in this situation. 

I know that Sandberg's name carries a lot of weight in Chicago, which is great. He's one of the best players in the franchise's history and has been working as a Minor League manager for several years. 

It's not that he's not a qualified candidate, but Epstein's statement is not likely going to be rebuffed this season. 

As a matter of fact, if Sandberg is going to be a Major League manager next season, Cubs fans may not like the dugout he's in.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports is reporting that the Cubs' biggest rival has asked for permission to talk to Sandberg, and had it granted.

Wednesday, November 2 at 3:03 p.m. ET

Wednesday, November 2 at 3:04 p.m. ET

So, Cubs fans, when trying to figure out who the next manager of your favorite team will be, look away from Sandberg. If you don't, you will be quite disappointed in the long term.