When Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer took over operations for the Chicago Cubs, they didn't commit to anything when it came to the incumbent manager, Mike Quade:

"Mike seems like a great guy, and he has developed a great reputation over many decades in this game," Epstein said. "I look forward to sitting down with him in person, sharing with him my vision of the organization.

And last Thursday, Epstein met with Quade for seven hours, ostensibly to discuss his future with the team. Though it's not common knowledge exactly what was discussed in that meeting, Quade could have spent three of the hours proclaiming his love for Neifi Perez and detailing plans to hit him cleanup if he were re-acquired, because Quade is not returning to the Cubs in 2012.

Epstein said that a new search will begin immediately, and he also added a note that allowed Jon Morosi to read between the lines a bit:

Theo Epstein says #Cubs' next manager "must have managerial or coaching experience at the major league level." Fact: Ryne Sandberg doesn't.

Interesting. Quade lasted just over a year with the Cubs, taking over for Lou Piniella on August 22, 2010, and compiling a 95-104 record, which might make him the winningest manager in franchise history.