Dale Sveum has been fired after two dismal years at the helm of the Cubs. This year’s team went 66-96, and team president Theo Epstein said a better manager would have had different results.

“We thank Dale for his two years of loyalty and dedicated service,” said Epstein, “but it’s time to go in a new direction.”

Added Epstein: “A better manager would have only lost 92 games this year, which would have had us much closer to second-to-last place in the Central.”

Speculation is that the Cubs will be hiring Brad Ausmus or making a play for Joe Girardi, but Epstein wouldn’t confirm any rumors.

“My hopes are high,” said Epstein. “We trying to find the next Connie Mack or Casey Stengel.

“You know, the sort of manager who could possibly have won a few more games here and there with the rag-tag roster we’ve been putting out there the last couple seasons.”

hecklerstaff