Source: Cubs Down to Two Favorites

The Chicago Cubs ushered in six prospective and very qualified options to take over for Joe Maddon over the past two weeks. Now that they have talked to everyone on their list – it seems like it is a two-horse race for the job.

Do me a favor, stop reading right now and comment who you think the race is between. I’d like to see what the thoughts are before the *big reveal* on who insiders believe it is.

Two-Horse race

In a recent article by Gordon Wittenmyer, the Cubs are looking at either David Ross or Joe… wait for it… Espada.

After an interview Monday with Espada that sources say impressed Cubs executives, insiders suggest it’s a two-man race for the Cubs job, with in-house candidate Ross holding the edge.

Sure, that’s one guy… but what if there were two saying the same?

That’s where The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney comes in. He too is hearing that this is a two-horse race, and while Gordo is willing to give an edge to Rossy, Mooney stops short of that.

When speaking about Espada, Mooney suggests that coming into a new experience, in a city he’s never been in, expected to win now would be a tough task. But he has the connections and makeup to succeed in such an environment.

“Any team that wants to consider him is heading down the right path,” Hinch said of Espada. “He’s incredible for us.”

While Mooney didn’t say Ross has an advantage, this is a pretty strong recommendation.

Both in public comments and private conversations, Cubs officials have been raving about Ross’ leadership skills for years.

Personally, I think Espada is the better option, but I also know Ross will do an excellent job as manager. In either case, the Cubs are in good hands.