Bob Brenly Wants to Manage – Maybe the Cubs, Maybe Elsewhere

Chicago Cubs broadcaster Bob Brenly has grown on Cubs fans – well, me anyway – and just as he has, he’s talking about leaving the broadcast booth for the dugout. Brenly, who previously managed the Arizona Diamondbacks to a World Series win, says he’s always open to interviewing for managerial jobs.

There are managerial openings in Washington, Cleveland and Houston, and more may open. Brenly said he had informal talks with Nationals GM Mike Rizzo, who worked in the Arizona front office when Brenly was managing.

“I did have a conversation with Mike when the Nationals were in Wrigley Field this year, and at that point it was way too premature,” Brenly said. “At that point he couldn’t say exactly what they were going to do.

“I always enjoy talking to baseball people, and if I get an opportunity to go for interviews, sure (I will).”

Brenly has been interviewed by several teams in the last few offseasons, including the Cubs and Brewers. At one time, he said he probably wouldn’t take a job with a rebuilding team, but he said Thursday, “Things can always change.” chicagotribune.com.

But Brenly says he probably won’t leave the Cubs in the lurch – because he wants an opportunity to become the manager when Lou Piniella retires after next season.

Brenly, under contract for three more years on the Cubs’ TV broadcasts, could wait until Lou Piniella manages his final season with the Cubs and take his chances. Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, managing in the Cubs’ minor leagues, already has expressed interest.

“It’s the ballclub I’m most familiar with,” Brenly said. “It’s a lucrative job, and I know there are a lot of people who would like to have a chance. I love what I’m doing.”

Brenly was always an “old school” type manager, but has recently struck me as rather insightful with respect to this particular Cubs club. If he’s still available next year, he will almost certainly get an interview with the Cubs. And though I would have hated the idea there years ago, now it doesn’t bother me quite as much. Except that I might miss Brenly in the booth.