The Cubs did the right thing.

Feels good. My Chicago Cubs have finally made the right move. Giving Mike Quade a two-year contract to manage the Cubs. He was named interim manager for the last six weeks of the 2010 season. When manager Lou Piniella left. At the time, the Cubs had lost 20 of their last 25 games, and the Cubs were a sorry bunch. Under Quade, the Cubs found life and ran off a streak of 24-13 to finish the season. The Cubs were lifeless under Piniella. Because Piniella was lifeless. He had become an old man. Going through the motions of managing the ball club. That's too bad. It happens. But the 53-year-old Quade really managed. Even threw batting practice. Mixed with the players. Jazzed them up. Gave them encouragement. Inspired everybody. Veteran players and rookies alike. I've always said that baseball is very much a mind game. You gotta have fun. And you gotta believe. Even teams with less talent can become winners. If they play hard. If they believe in themselves. I have a feeling that the Cubs will be the surprise team in the National League next season. In large part because they picked the right manager. --Jim Broede