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A report earlier in December indicated that the Chicago Cubs were going to hire Bill Buckner to be the hitting coach of the Boise Hawks, which is the club’s single-A affiliate. On Friday the Cubs confirmed the hiring:

name alum Bill Buckner as the hitting coach for the 2012 season.

Buckner hasn’t coached in the majors in nearly 15 years, but he did have interest from other teams, as explained in the previous update on this story:

Buckner currently lives in Boise, Idaho, which partially explains the hire. The ESPN report adds that new Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine wanted to add Buckner to his Major League coaching staff, but Boston’s front office resisted the idea. Buckner has coached in the majors in the past, but not in a while. His most recent MLB coaching gig was as the Chicago White Sox hitting coach all the way back in 1997.

For more updates on Chicago sports, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of the Cubs, head over to Bleed Cubbie Blue. Also, check out MLB Daily Dish for Cubs rumors and transactions.

Chicago Cubs new president of baseball operations Theo Epstein has made it clear that he and the Cubs want a manger with Major League experience. Epstein’s decision rules out fan favorite Ryne Sandberg for the job.

While I really like Sandberg as my all-time favorite player and would have liked to see him manage the Cubs, I cannot argue with Epstein’s decision – as long as he brings in a winning manager. I was hoping the Cubs would hire Sandberg for 2011, but they hired Mike Quade instead. In light of their dismal 2011, I doubt that they would have made the postseason under Sandberg anyway.

“Ryno” managed four seasons in the Cubs’ minor league system and brought the Philadelphia Phillies’ 2011 Triple-A team to the playoffs. Epstein did interview Sandberg while in Boston for a AAA managerial spot. However, at the Major League level, winning trumps fan favorites. Cub fans want to see a World Series regardless of who is in the dugout. Bringing in an experienced manager will enhance those chances. Sandberg showed the grace and class that Cub fans remember from his playing days when he returned Epstein’s call personally and then said that we Cub fans should trust Epstein to build a winning team. Ryno will land a Major League managing job before too long.

Top contenders to manage the Cubs include Texas Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux and Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin. Both of these men have seen the playoffs and World Series as coaches and understand how to keep their players playing hard all the way. Maddux could do wonders with a Cubs pitching rotation that struggled last year. He led the Rangers to an ERA of 3.79, good for fifth in the American League. Maybe if Maddux does not get the manager’s job, he could become the pitching coach. The new manager would have that final decision.

Mackanin just finished the 2011 season on the coaching staff of the team with the best record in the Majors (102-60). Yes, the Phillies had that outstanding pitching staff, but the bench coach must work well with the entire team. Mackanin also had success as the Cincinnati Reds’ interim manager in 2007 when he took over the team with the Majors’ worst record.

Each candidate has success as a Major league coach, and I can certainly agree with Theo Epstein’s decision to go that route. I wish Ryne Sandberg the best, and I hope he gets his opportunity soon. However, as a long-time Cub fan, I want to see the Cubs win the World Series even more than seeing them hire my favorite player from the past. Hiring a manager with successful Major League managing or coaching experience can begin the transition back into contenders.

Sources:

Carrie Muskat, Cubs Relieve Quade; Sandberg Not a Candidate, cubs.mlb.com, November 2, 2011.

Carrie Muskat, Mike Maddux in Theo’s Mix; Francona too? Cubs.mlb.com, November 3, 2011.

Major League Baseball, 2011 Standings, mlb.com.

Major League Baseball, Sortable Statistics, mlb.com.

Philadelphia Phillies, Pete Mackanin #22, Phillies.mlb.com.

Raymond grew up in Florida and began watching the Cubs on WGN in 1982. He became a fan in 1984 when Ryne Sandberg hit the two famous game-tying home runs off Cardinals closer and former Cub Bruce Sutter. Raymond then solidified his team loyalty when the Cubs won the division later that season and has been a fan ever since.

More from this contributor:

Ryan Dempster Exercises Option to Return to Cubs in 2012

Cubs Say No to Boston Regarding Matt Garza: Fan Reaction

Cubs Should Consider Frank Thomas for Hitting Coach

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The Cubs drafted Trevor Gretzky — yep, he’s Wayne’s son — this week. At first glance, this might sound like what the Dodgers did for Tommy Lasorda back in 1988, when they drafted his godson (some kid named Mike Piazza) with the 1,390th (!) pick of the draft.

That would be a slight mischaracterization. For starters, teams aren’t in the habit of cashing in high-round draft picks as favors to former greats (Trevor was taken in the seventh round). Second, Gretzky the Elder doesn’t have any ties with the Cubs; he played in Edmonton, Los Angeles, St. Louis and New York during a 22-year NHL career. Chicago’s interest in Trevor has everything to do with talent.

A high school senior, Gretzky has committed to play baseball at San Diego State next year. The Cubs, obviously, will try to change his mind. As for why Gretzky chose baseball over hockey, here’s what he told MLB.com in a February interview:

“I was introduced to it in New York, when my dad was playing for the Rangers,” Trevor said. “I remember him taking me to a Yankee game, and ever since then I wanted to play and it’s been my dream to be in the Major Leagues since then.”

The Chicago Tribune also reports that the Cubs drafted another player with a recognizable name: Shawon Dunston Jr. was taken in the 11th round. His dad played shortstop in Chicago two decades ago and was best known for one of the best arms in the league. We’re pretty sure Mark Grace would confirm as much.

CHICAGO – The ball is finally starting to carry out of Wrigley Field.

Just not for the Chicago Cubs.

Paul Maholm pitched a shutout for his first victory in a month, Ronny Cedeno, Lyle Overbay, Chris Snyder and Andrew McCutchen each homered Saturday, and the Pittsburgh Pirates routed Chicago 10-0.

Maholm limited Chicago to just three hits – a double by Alfonso Soriano and infield singles by Darwin Barney and Lou Montanez.

While they gave up a season high in homers, the Cubs’ offensive struggles at home were nothing new. They’ve hit just 14 home runs in 27 games at Wrigley Field.

“The guys are still confident we can turn this around,” Barney said. “We’re not pulling that flag yet.”

With the flags blowing out, the Pirates had little trouble against Cubs starter Randy Wells. Or anybody else Chicago put on the mound.

Making just his second start of the season and first since April 4, Wells (1-1) lasted four innings after being activated off the disabled list (right forearm strain). He gave up five hits, including Cedeno’s second homer, and five runs with three walks and seven strikeouts.

“I don’t know if it was so much rust as I was anxious to get back out there and see how things were going,” Wells said.

Maholm (2-7), who got his third career shutout and improved to 8-2 in 15 career starts against the Cubs, retired the first 13 batters he faced before Soriano doubled in the fifth. He walked none and struck out four for his first win since April 25.

DIAMONDBACKS 11, ASTROS 3: Zach Duke allowed three hits over seven innings and hit a three-run homer in his first game of the season, leading Arizona to victory at Houston.

Duke’s first home run in seven major league seasons came in the Diamondbacks’ four-run fourth inning, a shot over the left-field fence off Bud Norris (2-4).

Duke (1-0) missed Arizona’s first 51 games while recovering from a broken hand suffered in spring training. The Astros didn’t get a hit until Clint Barmes’ single to left with one out in the fourth.

PADRES 2, NATIONALS 1: Tim Stauffer pitched seven innings for his first win of the season, former TinCap Blake Tekotte had the first two hits of his major league career and San Diego won at Washington.

Stauffer (1-3) limited the Nationals to four hits and a run – a seventh-inning homer by Laynce Nix. He struck out four and walked four.

BREWERS 3, GIANTS 2: Pinch-hitter Jonathan Lucroy’s bases-loaded suicide squeeze scored Ryan Braun with one out in the bottom of the ninth, lifting host Milwaukee over San Francisco.

Lucroy’s well-executed bunt was out of the reach of pitcher Guillermo Mota. Braun easily scored and Lucroy began pumping his fists halfway down the line.

Milwaukee is 7-1 on this homestand and 20-7 overall at Miller Park.

PHILLIES 5, METS 2: Ryan Howard hit a tiebreaking double in the eighth inning and Cole Hamels finally beat a familiar nemesis, pitching Philadelphia past slumping New York.

Hamels (7-2) struck out a season-high 10 and walked none over seven innings to win his third straight outing and improve to 3-9 in 15 career games against the host Mets. The left-hander had lost five consecutive starts against them.

This time, he recovered from a shaky start to retire his final 11 batters – five by strikeout – without allowing a ball out of the infield.

Jose Contreras worked a perfect eighth, and Ryan Madson got three quick outs for his 11th save.

ROCKIES 15, CARDINALS 4: Chris Iannetta homered twice and drove in a career-high six runs, and Juan Nicasio pitched seven solid innings in his major league debut as scuffling Colorado routed visiting St. Louis.

The hard-throwing Nicasio (1-0) surrendered just six hits and one unearned run after being recalled from Double-A Tulsa to make a spot start.

The usually reliable Jaime Garcia (5-1) had a rough outing and the Rockies took full advantage to break out of their offensive funk by setting season highs for runs and hits (18).

CHICAGO — Doug Davis made his 300th career start in the major leagues this afternoon at Wrigley Field. It certainly won’t make his memory book.

The Cubs’ southpaw struggled mightily, throwing 111 pitches in just 4 2-3 innings with six walks and one hit batter. The Pirates went on to win 4-2.

“I’m not going to make any excuses for walking six people. That’s for sure,” Davis said. “I’ve been around long enough to know that walking that many guys against any team is going to come back to haunt you.”

Davis allowed only two earned runs on four hits, but his wildness got the best of him.

Pittsburgh led 2-0 after scoring two unearned runs on two Cubs errors in the second, when things fell apart for Davis in the fourth. He walked three batters, including Andrew McCutchen to force in a run with the bases loaded. Davis added a hit batter for good measure.

Davis, who is 0-3 on the season with a 6.75 ERA, hasn’t won a start since May 5, 2010.

He missed the last 4½ months in 2010 due to an inflammation of lining around the heart and left elbow tendonitis. He signed a minor league contract with the Cubs on April 11 and was promoted from Triple-A Iowa on May 16.

“Having a year off and everything else, I certainly didn’t expect he was going to be a guy that was going come in here ultra sharp, give us seven, eight innings,” manager Mike Quade said.

The Cubs had their chances to get back into the game.

Trailing 4-0, they had the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth, but Aramis Ramirez popped out to second. Alfonso Soriano put the Cubs on the board with a two-run homer in the ninth. Carlos Pena was 2 for 3 with a walk.

The Cubs bullpen pitched 4 1-3 innings, allowing no runs on three hits.

Kevin Correia (7-4) limited Chicago to four singles and a pair of walks in 7 1-3 innings. He moved into a tie with Boston’s Jon Lester for the major league lead in wins, and has six of the Pirates’ 14 victories away from PNC Park this season.

“You throw half your games on the road your whole career, so it really doesn’t effect me at all,” Correia said. “Every place is a little different.”

NOTES
The Cubs activated Rodrigo Lopez, acquired from Atlanta in a minor-league trade on Thursday. He was 6-1 this season for Triple-A Gwinnett. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated Coello for assignment. Justin Berg, who threw 12 straight balls to the three batters he faced in his last outing, was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. … Carlos Zambrano said the stiff neck he had checked out after Thursday’s win over the Mets is getting better. He thinks the problem started because of the way he positions his head on the pillow while he watches TV at home. … Hurdle said 3B Pedro Alvarez will be able hit while he rehabs from a right quad strain. Alvarez won’t be allowed to run the bases or play in the field. … The game-time temperature at Wrigley Field was 48 degrees, the fourth straight game on the Cubs’ current home stand that it’s been below 50 degrees. It’s been below 50 in 15 of their first 25 home games.

Doug Davis made his 300th career start in the major leagues Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. It certainly won’t make his memory book.

The Cubs’ southpaw struggled mightily, throwing 111 pitches in just 4 2-3 innings with six walks and one hit batter. The Pirates went on to win 4-2.

“I’m not going to make any excuses for walking six people. That’s for sure,” Davis said. “I’ve been around long enough to know that walking that many guys against any team is going to come back to haunt you.”

Davis allowed only two earned runs on four hits, but his wildness got the best of him.

Pittsburgh led 2-0 after scoring two unearned runs on two Cubs errors in the second, when things fell apart for Davis in the fourth. He walked three batters, including Andrew McCutchen to force in a run with the bases loaded. Davis added a hit batter for good measure.

Davis, who is 0-3 on the season with a 6.75 ERA, hasn’t won a start since May 5, 2010.

He missed the last 4½ months in 2010 due to an inflammation of lining around the heart and left elbow tendonitis. He signed a minor league contract with the Cubs on April 11 and was promoted from Triple-A Iowa on May 16.

“Having a year off and everything else, I certainly didn’t expect he was going to be a guy that was going come in here ultra sharp, give us seven, eight innings,” manager Mike Quade said.

The Cubs had their chances to get back into the game.

Trailing 4-0, they had the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth, but Aramis Ramirez popped out to second. Alfonso Soriano put the Cubs on the board with a two-run homer in the ninth. Carlos Pena was 2 for 3 with a walk.

The Cubs bullpen pitched 4 1-3 innings, allowing no runs on three hits.

Kevin Correia (7-4) limited Chicago to four singles and a pair of walks in 7 1-3 innings. He moved into a tie with Boston’s Jon Lester for the major league lead in wins, and has six of the Pirates’ 14 victories away from PNC Park this season.

“You throw half your games on the road your whole career, so it really doesn’t effect me at all,” Correia said. “Every place is a little different.”

NOTES: The Cubs activated Rodrigo Lopez, acquired from Atlanta in a minor-league trade on Thursday. He was 6-1 this season for Triple-A Gwinnett. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated Coello for assignment. Justin Berg, who threw 12 straight balls to the three batters he faced in his last outing, was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. … Carlos Zambrano said the stiff neck he had checked out after Thursday’s win over the Mets is getting better. He thinks the problem started because of the way he positions his head on the pillow while he watches TV at home. … Hurdle said 3B Pedro Alvarez will be able hit while he rehabs from a right quad strain. Alvarez won’t be allowed to run the bases or play in the field. … The game-time temperature at Wrigley Field was 48 degrees, the fourth straight game on the Cubs’ current home stand that it’s been below 50 degrees. It’s been below 50 in 15 of their first 25 home games.