A popular, but unlikely candidate for the Cubs’ open managerial position has withdrawn his name from consideration. Bob Brenly, the team’s TV color analyst, decided he didn’t want to be considered for the job any longer.
From Cubs.com
Cubs TV analyst Bob Brenly said Saturday he is officially withdrawing his name from the job as Cubs manager. Brenly met with GM Jim Hendry prior to Friday’s game.
“I don’t feel that at this particular time, it was a good fit for me,” Brenly said. “For personal and professional reasons, this was not the right time for me.”
Brenly did say he has been in contact with other teams regarding their managerial openings. He wouldn’t elaborate as to why he would consider other teams but not the Cubs.
“It just kind of came to a head in the last few days,” Brenly said.
No doubt upsetting news to some Cubs fans, who felt that Brenly would bring a tough approach to a team that may or may not lack discipline. Brenly has been especially critical of the Cubs’ higher paid players, including Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez, and Carlos Zambrano. While that made him popular among fans who watched the games on TV, it probably didn’t help his popularity in the Cubs’ clubhouse.
That is probably just one of the reasons why Brenly passed on the position. He probably realized that he wouldn’t be a realistic candidate anyway, since the Cubs seem focused on Ryne Sandberg, Mike Quade, and Joe Girardi.
While Brenly may interview for a few open positions around baseball this offseason, I would still expect him back in the booth next season. He’s been passed over for jobs time and time again, and there is no reason to expect that to change, especially when a number of big name managers will be “free agents” this offseason.
Frankly, I’m glad Brenly’s not going to manage. Dude looks rediculous in a uniform.