Dale

Sveum

Hinch, of course, was the Diamondbacks’ manager from 2009-10. Heyman says that the Cubs are looking for someone with a player development background for the job, and Hinch fits the bill. Padres special assistant to baseball operations Brad Ausmus could also be a candidate, though president Theo Epstein reportedly prefers someone with big league managing experience. Joe Girardi has been listed as an option, as well, though he will begin contract talks with the Yankees soon.

Wittenmyer also lists as possibilities former Nationals and Indians manager Manny Acta and former D’Backs manager A.J. Hinch, who was previously reported to be a candidate by CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman. The Cubs are looking for someone with a player development background and would prefer someone with major league managing experience. Alomar doesn’t qualify for the latter, but, according to Wittenmyer, has ‘‘proven leadership’’ that Epstein would demand of a candidate without experience.

Sveum made it only two years under the Theo Epstein regime with a brutal managerial record of 127-197. But the 49-year-old former major league infielder should latch on elsewhere soon as a coach or some sort of assistant. One of the premier jobs in baseball has just opened up on the north side of Chicago and you can start your engines on those Joe Girardi rumors.

It’s uncertain exactly what role Sveum will have beyond infield instructor, but the team will have bench coach and third-base coach openings after telling Chino Cadahia and Eddie Rodriguez that they won’t have their contracts renewed. Sveum will most likely end up in one of those two roles.

Renteria has been viewed as one of the leading candidates all along. The coach has ties to the Cubs organization due to his familiarity with Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer from their time in San Diego. Former Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch was also in the running for the job. Dale Sveum was fired at the end of September.

The Cubs are believed to have their sights set on soon-to-be free agent Joe Girardi, but a bidding war with the Yankees isn’t going to be easy to win so Cubs president Theo Epstein is lining up backup candidates. A.J. Hinch, the former Diamondbacks manager, has already been interviewed and Padres bench coach Rick Renteria is on the list of upcoming interviewees. Sandy Alomar Jr. is “not a strong candidate” at this point, writes Kaplan.

The Cubs have Joe Girardi at the top of their wish list and are reportedly are prepared to get into a bidding war with the Yankees for him. They need some backup options in case they’re unable to land Girardi, though, and Acta appears to be at or near the top of the list. Former Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch has also already been interviewed by the Cubs.

Renteria is now believed to be the clear cut favorite to win the job. A.J. Hinch, Manny Acta and Dave Martinez have also interviewed for the position already, and the Cubs have also expressed interest in speaking to Sandy Alomar Jr. and Torey Lovullo.

Lovullo managed for nine seasons in the minor leagues, including a season as the skipper at Triple-A Pawtucket while Theo Epstein was the GM of the Red Sox. The Cubs have already interviewed Dave Martinez, A.J. Hinch, Manny Acta and Rick Renteria for the position.

The Cubs’ interest in Wedge was first reported by MLB.com’s Peter Gammons and has been confirmed by Wittenmyer. Padres bench coach Rick Renteria is considered the favorite for the job, with former Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch, former Nationals and Indians manager Manny Acta and Rays bench coach Dave Martinez also in the running. The Cubs could also interview Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo after the World Series.