The news that Mike Quade is out of a job as the manager of the Chicago Cubs was not entirely unexpected after a record of 95-104 since taking over for Lou Piniella in August of 2010. Official word of Quade's firing came down Wednesday.

While Quade is out, many are surprised that Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg -- who was up for the position last year before Quade won it -- won't be considered to replace him.

In a statement, new Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said the next manager of the club "must have managerial or coaching experience at the major league level" -- something not on Sandberg's resume. Sandberg is currently a manager in the Phillies minor league system.

Two sources at the Chicago Tribune said Epstein spoke with Sandberg in a "cordial, professional" conversation to let him know he was out of contention, and that Sandberg appreciated being told in person.

He's now being floated as a possible replacement for the St. Louis Cardinals' manager Tony La Russa, who announced his retirement after the Cardinals won the World Series last weekend. There's also talk Epstein may want to reunite with Terry Francona, where both wrapped up long tenures this past season with the Boston Red Sox.

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