Former Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez has declined an interview with the Cubs about their open manager's position, reports Fanhouse's John Hickey. The fact that Gonzalez would turn down even a simple interview about a high-profile job will surely add to the speculation that he is Bobby Cox's heir apparent in Atlanta next season; Hickey calls Gonzalez "the extreme frontrunner" to be the next Braves manager.
Gonzalez was reportedly Chicago GM Jim Hendry's top choice to lead the Cubs next season, but several other major names have also been mentioned in connection to the Cubs job, most notably Ryne Sandberg and (if the Yankees don't retain him) Joe Girardi. The Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan provides a quick recap of the candidates known to be in line for interviews, such as Pat Listach, Bob Melvin and interim Cubs manager Mike Quade. Former Cleveland manager Eric Wedge has already interviewed for the job.
