Cubs introduce Sveum as new manager
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Chicago Cubs introduced Dale Sveum as their new manager during a Friday morning press conference.
The Cubs needed a replacement for Mike Quade, who was not retained once Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer took over the front office duties earlier this offseason.
"It was exhaustive," Hoyer said of the interview process. "We thank everyone who participated very much. Everyone of the candidates that we brought in will certainly manage in the major leagues. In the end, it was very clear to us. There was one candidate that stood out from the other. Dale was outstanding in every way. We're thrilled to announce Dale as the next manager of the Chicago Cubs."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The deal is reportedly for three years with an option for a fourth year.
Sveum had been a coach for the Brewers since 2006 and was named the club's interim manager in September 2008 when Ned Yost was fired amidst a swoon that nearly cost Milwaukee a playoff spot.
With 12 games remaining in the 2008 campaign, Sveum righted a sinking ship and steered the Brewers to a wild card spot with a 7-5 record. Milwaukee was then ousted from the playoffs by Philadelphia in the NL Division Series.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Despite his success, Sveum was passed over when the Brewers instead selected Ken Macha for the full-time position in 2008. Milwaukee also went with Ron Roenicke when its managerial vacancy opened again before the 2011 season.
"I have 16 games under my belt as a manager, besides managing in Double-A for a few years," Sveum said. "The one thing being in the game for 30 years, you experience a great deal. You might not have experience (actually managing), but you experience one heck of a lot when you've been in the game for 30 years."
The Cubs were 71-91 in 2011 under Quade, who had taken over on an interim basis when Lou Piniella abruptly resigned in August 2010.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Sveum, meanwhile, was also considered for the opening with the Boston Red Sox before agreeing to take over in Chicago. Others to reportedly interview with the Cubs were Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux, Indians bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr., Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin and Red Sox bench coach DeMarlo Hale.
"When it came down to it, this was a better fit and the arrow stopped at the Chicago Cubs after my head was spinning," Sveum said.
An infielder for 12 big league seasons from 1986-99, Sveum hit .236 with 69 homers and 340 runs batted in while playing for the Brewers, Phillies, White Sox, Athletics, Mariners, Pirates and Yankees.