Cubs Fire Manager Dale Sveum

(CBS) The Cubs have fired manager Dale Sveum, the team announced Monday morning.

Sveum spent two seasons with the Cubs after being hired by president of baseball operations Theo Epstein. In his two seasons at the helm, Sveum compiled a record of 127-197.

"Today, we made the very difficult decision to relieve Dale Sveum of his duties as Cubs manager," Epstein said in a statement.
"Dale has been a committed leader for this team the last two seasons, and I want to thank him for all of his dedication and hard work.  I have a lot of admiration for Dale personally, and we all learned a lot from the way he has handled the trying circumstances of the last two years, especially the last two weeks, with strength and dignity.

"Today's decision to pursue a new manager was not made because of wins and losses. Our record is a function of our long-term building plan and the moves we have made – some good, a few we would like back – to further this strategy.  Jed and I take full responsibility for that.  Today's decision was absolutely not made to provide a scapegoat for our shortcomings or to distract from our biggest issue – a shortage of talent at the major league level.  We have been transparent about what we are, and what we are not yet.  Today's decision, which was painful for all of us, was made to move us closer to fulfilling our ultimate long-term vision for the Cubs."

Moving forward, rumors have circulated that Peoria native and current Yankees manager Joe Girardi could be the Sveum's replacement.

"I believe a dynamic new voice – and the energy, creativity and freshness that comes with this type of change – provides us with the best opportunity to achieve the major league environment we seek," Epstein said. "We will begin our search immediately – a process which will be completed before the GM meetings in early November and perhaps much sooner.  There are no absolute criteria, but we will prioritize managerial or other on-field leadership experience and we will prioritize expertise developing young talent. We have not yet contacted any candidates or asked permission to speak with any candidates, but that process will begin tomorrow morning."