While David Ross is set to become the Cubs' next manager, a member of the team's 2019 coaching staff has reportedly interviewed for a managerial vacancy elsewhere.
Cubs bench coach Mark Loretta recently interviewed for the Padres' managerial opening, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman. It's the second known managerial opening Loretta has interviewed for this offseason, as he also interviewed for the Cubs' before they chose Ross.
Like Ross and the Cubs, Loretta has several ties to the Padres. The 48-year-old played three seasons with San Diego (2003-05) during his 15-year big-league career. He also spent nine seasons as a special assistant in the Padres front office, working with general manager Jed Hoyer — who held the same position with the Padres from 2010-11.
Loretta isn't the only Cubs coach to interview for a managerial opening. First base coach Will Venable — who also was a candidate to replace Joe Maddon — reportedly interviewed for the Giants' vacancy last Friday. The 36-year-old joined the Cubs as a front office assistant in 2017 before being named first base coach in 2018.
What this means for Ross' coaching staff is to be determined. Loretta and Venable interviewing elsewhere doesn't mean they'll get hired, but Epstein and Co. handpicked them for Maddon's staff.
Thus, Ross may look to choose his own group as he embarks on year No. 1 as a big-league manager. Loretta and Venable could also seek seek other opportunities, though the latter told the Chicago Sun-Times that his interest is in the Cubs "organization in general."
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