Epstein Fires Quade, Says No Ryno

Epstein said the search for a manager will begin immediately.

2011 Chicago Cubs manager Mike Quade will not return to the team next season, and his replacement will not be Ryne Sandberg.

The Cubs released a statement Wednesday saying they decided to move on from the inexperienced skipper.

“Jed Hoyer and I had an all-day meeting with Mike last Thursday at Wrigley Field," said newly minted Cubs President Theo Epstein in a statement. "And Mike and I continued our dialogue with a lengthy phone conversation yesterday after the press conference. Today, I flew to Florida to inform Mike in person that the Cubs have decided not to bring him back as our manager for the 2012 season."

Quade, who was born in Evanston, Illinois, owned a record of 95-104 (.477) since taking over for Lou Piniella to finish the 2010 campaign. It appears the team would like to move in a new direction.

Epstein said the search for a manager will begin immediately, but has already left clear signs whom they don't want.

“We are looking for someone with whom and around whom we can build a foundation for sustained success," Epstein said. "The next manager must have leadership and communication skills; he must place an emphasis on preparation and accountability; he must establish high standards and a winning culture; he must have integrity and an open mind; and he must have managerial or coaching experience at the major league level."

The last caveat -- major league coaching experience -- would seem to eliminate fan favorite Ryne Sandberg from contention. Epstein reportedly reached out to the Phillies organization, where Sandberg is a minor league coach, and said the former Cub is not in the team's plans, according to a tweet by the Chicago Tribune's David Haugh.

Quade has not offered a statement, yet. But Epstein spoke highly of the manager in his release.

“I want to thank Mike for his nine years of excellent service to the Cubs, and we certainly wish him well in the future.”

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