Dale Sveum hired to Manage Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have scheduled a press conference for 9:00 a.m. CST tomorrow to formally introduce Dale Sveum as their new manager. The 48 year-old Sveum played 12 seasons in the big leagues and has spent the last six years as a coach for the Milwaukee Brewers. Sveum replaces Mike Quade, who was recently relieved of his duties by new Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein. Sveum had also interviewed for the managerial opening in Boston, but the Red Sox have stated that they are looking for someone with more managerial experience. Sveum did manage the Brewers for the last 12 games of the 2008 regular season before losing the LDS to the Phillies in four games.

Sveum gets a three year deal with an option for a fourth. He is the second new manager to be hired in the N.L. Central this month. Mike Methany was recently tabbed by the Cardinals to replace Tony LaRussa. Assuming Brad Mills isn’t fired, he will open the 2012 season as the second longest tenured manager in the division. Only Dusty Baker has served longer with his current team.

Sveum served as the hitting coach in Milwaukee last season. The Brewers boasted the second best offense in the N.L. under Sveum’s tutelage. One now has to wonder if the Cubs will aggressively pursue former Brewer 1B Prince Fielder. Sveum beat out a list of managerial candidates interviewed by the Cubs that included Sandy Alomar Jr, Demarlo Hale, Pete Mackanin, and Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux.