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While the Cubs made drastic changes to their player development department, there haven’t been many updates on their managerial search. That was until Sunday. Before that all we knew was that David Ross and Joe Espada were the favorites to replace Joe Maddon, with Ross still seen as the number one option for the front office.
But now the Astros bench coach is having a second interview with the Cubs.
After Espada’s first interview with the Cubs last week, reports came out that the team was extremely impressed with him. He has a long history of coaching in the minor leagues and in MLB with the Marlins Yankees and Astros. He also has some experience in the front office, working as a special assistant to Brian Cashman in New York. Oh and he’s coached the Puerto Rican national team during the World Baseball Classic as well.
Outside of Joe Girardi, Espada has by far the most experience among the candidates who have a realistic shot at getting the Cubs job. But again, Espada and Ross are ahead of the pack right now, while Girardi is having a second interview with the Phillies.
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At this point the Cubs don’t need to rush their decision. If it’s ultimately Ross, they don’t have to worry about him taking a gig elsewhere and if it’s Espada they can let the process play out and announce the hiring right after the World Series.
So far, only the Angels have hired a new manager, Joe Maddon, out of eight openings following the regular season.
