PHOENIX, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Dusty Baker, who is the top candidate for the job, has been interviewed by the Chicago Cubs for their vacant managerial post.
MLB.com, the official website for Major League Baseball, reported the two sides met Monday in the Windy City, and said Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry intimated that Baker is the man for the job.
Their meeting took place in the Phoenix, Ariz., area. They met for nearly 3 1/2 hours before going to dinner together.
"Everything went well," Hendry said. "He's a terrific guy. I've known him for awhile. Nothing changed today. He's the guy that I've always thought he was and would be a great addition to the Cubs. It was a great session. We talked about everything. He was very prepared. We talked about our minor-league players. He was on top of our system. He asked a lot of good questions, and I think he has a good feel for the Cubs. The next step is to get the negotiation process going with his representative."
Hendry planned to meet Tuesday with Baker's agent, Jeff Moorad.
Baker's last contract with the Giants was a two-year, $5.5 million deal, making him baseball's second highest-paid skipper to Joe Torre of the New York Yankees.
Hendry has said money is not an issue in who he hires.
Baker became available last week when San Francisco management decided to end talks with the three-time National League Manager of the Year. He led the Giants to the World Series, but San Francisco lost in seven games to the Anaheim Angels.
Baker, 53, a free agent, is highly sought, but will not interview with Seattle.
With the Cubs, Baker would face a tall order. The team has not posted back-to-back winning seasons since 1971-72.
Under his guidance, the Giants reached the Fall Classic this year for the first time since 1989. The Cubs have not been there since since 1945, and haven't won it since 1908.
Baker managed the Giants for 10 seasons, compiling a record of 840-715. San Francisco finished first or second in its division eight times in his 10 seasons at the helm.
