Chicago Cubs: Best fit for manager won’t even interview

The best candidate for the Chicago Cubs managerial position won’t even interview.

We are now more than two weeks removed from the Chicago Cubs announcing they have parted ways with former manager Joe Maddon. The man who helped bring a World Series title to Chicago and end the drought for the championship-starved fanbase will likely move on to another role — potentially with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim — while the Cubs continue to search for his successor.

Theo Epstein and the club have already spoken to at least four candidates about the role, including Joe Girardi (who had a marathon eight-hour interview) and David Ross, as well as Will Venable and Mark Loretta. They are also likely going to speak to others including Joe Espada (the Houston Astros bench coach) as well as recently fired Gabe Kapler, formerly of the Philadelphia Phillies.

However, it’s the individual with whom they haven’t and won’t speak that is likely the best candidate for the job. Of course, we’re talking about former outfielder Carlos Beltran. Beltran, who played with seven different teams throughout his illustrious 20-year career, would be a perfect fit on the North Side.

Unfortunately, he has indicated he is only interested in one job — that being the open managerial position with the New York Mets.

It’s too bad that the current advisor for the New York Yankees would not be interested in the position, because he would be a home run hire.

First, in terms of his baseball acumen, he is widely regarded as a savant when it comes to breaking down the swing and a hitter’s approach to different at-bats, pitchers, counts, etc. But not only does he possess the knowledge, but he’s also adept at communicating it in a way that resonates with the players. With the way the Cubs have struggled offensively over the last couple of years, it would no doubt benefit from another hitting mind in the dugout.

Speaking of resonating with players, another characteristic that would make him a great fit in Chicago is his ability to connect with younger players. He’s not far enough removed from being a player where he has forgotten what it’s like for some of the younger guys. He also understands what it’s like to be the elder statesman in a dugout full of young millennials and could easily connect with them.

However, that’s not to suggest that he is someone who isn’t capable of putting his foot down when necessary. In fact, he is generally regarded as someone who can certainly command a clubhouse without being overbearing. He can tell a player what he needs to hear, even if the message stings, but can do it in a respectful way.

In this regard, he lacks familiarity with the team like a David Ross (which would make it difficult for him to be a disciplinarian when necessary) but he also does have the heavier hand that comes with a guy like Joe Girardi. He would be the perfect balance of the two. Unfortunately, Cubs fans will never get to see how it would work out. Maybe someday.