Now that Lou Piniella has announced he will retire at season's end, who is next to manage the Cubs?Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune has a quick list of candidates : Ryne Sanberg, Joe Girardi, Bob Brenly, Joe Torre and Alan Trammell.
Girardi is the longest of shots, there is little reason for the former Cubs catcher to leave the Yankees for Chicago's North Side. The Cubs can't offer him more money or a better chance to win. Girardi will likely manage the Cubs at some point down the line, but it won't be in 2011.
Torre, Sullivan writes, is a real possibility. His contract with the Dodgers runs out after the season.
Brenly is in the Cubs' broadcast booth, and that job is less stressful and has a better prognosis for long-term employment. Brenly managed the Diamondbacks to the 2001 World Series title and was 303-262 in parts of four seasons. He was let go after a 29-50 start in 2004.
Trammell is the current Cubs bench coach and has managed the Tigers and is liked by Jim Hendry, Sullivan reports. Trammell was 186-300 in three seasons with the Tigers from 2003-05.
Sandberg is the likely choice. He would create excitement among an aggravated fanbase, is a Cubs legend, understands what he's getting into and has also paid his dues in the minor leagues in a way many Hall of Famers would see as beneath them.
Sandberg is currently managing Triple-A Iowa and has also managed Class A Peoria and Double-A Tennessee.
-- C. Trent Rosecrans
For more baseball news, rumors and analysis, follow @cbssportsmlb on Twitter.
