Dale Sveum (from left to right), Terry Francona and Pete Mackanin are some of the names being mentioned for the Cubs' managerial position. Click through our gallery to see who the Sun-Times lists as top candidates.

LONGSHOT: Terry Francona had pretty good success with Theo Epstein in Boston, but how do they explain the whole chicken-and-beer clubhouse incident during the Red Sox' September swoon?

POSSIBLE: Chicago native DeMarlo Hale has strong ties to two Cubs coaches, Pat Listach and Rudy Jaramillo. The 50-year-old Hale was the Red Sox third-base coach under Francona.

STRONG CANDIDATE: Pete Mackanin, another Chicago native (Brother Rice), was most recently the bench coach for the Phillies. The 60-year-old last managed Reds before being replaced by Dusty Baker.

STRONG CANDIDATE: Dale Sveum could appeal to Epstein because of his quantitative analytical skills. The 47-year-old managed the Brewers and is currently their hitting coach.

The Cubs have signed right-handed pitcher Scott Feldman to a one-year contract. | AP

OUT: Joe Maddon lost out to Terry Francona for the Red Sox job in 2004, but the Rays manager is happy where he's at. Just bought a new condo in Florida. Epstein said Thursday he is not a candidate.