Dale Sveum: Prince Fielder talk is just that

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Manager Dale Sveum says all the talk about the Cubs acquiring Prince Fielder is just that — talk.

Updated: January 18, 2012 8:11AM

While national reports claim various levels of interest and “early favorite” status for the Cubs regarding free-agent slugger Prince Fielder, manager Dale Sveum said Friday that the team has not pursued him.

“At this point, I think it’s a lot of media talk more than us doing anything,” said Sveum, who became close to Fielder during six years as a Milwaukee Brewers coach. “We haven’t had any talks with Prince, and I haven’t had any conversations with him. We haven’t initiated any contact at all.”

Sveum, speaking on a conference call Friday as the Cubs announced their 2012 coaching staff, has raved about Fielder as a hitter, gamer and teammate since becoming manager last month.

But president Theo Epstein has mapped out a long-term plan for turning the organization into what he calls a “player development machine,” and the 10-year contract Fielder is believed to be seeking does not fit in the short term.

Meanwhile, the Cubs made official the coaching-staff additions that had been expected for weeks. Specifically, Chris Bosio is the pitching coach, Jamie Quirk the bench coach and Dave McKay the first-base coach.

Three members of the 2011 staff return, including Pat Listach, the former bench coach who moves to third base. He was considered one of the top third-base coaches in the league while with the Washington Nationals.

Hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo and bullpen coach Lester Strode return in the same roles.

The Cubs also hired former New York Yankees bullpen catcher Mike Borzello to help coach the catchers and work with advance-scouting information and game planning. Franklin Font, a former Cubs minor-league infielder and instructor who has a strong relationship with Starlin Castro, was promoted to assist Jaramillo.

The Cubs expected to make the announcement more than a week ago, but it got pushed back as they finalized the hiring of McKay, Tony La Russa’s longtime coach with the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals.

“Dave came into the picture a little bit late. I had no idea he got let go by the Cardinals [after La Russa retired this fall],’’ Sveum said. “I was shocked by that. I’m just glad that Dave got a hold of me and let me know he was out there. He’s a huge asset to any team.’’

Gone from ex-manager Mike Quade’s 2011 staff are pitching coach Mark Riggins, third-base coach Ivan DeJesus and first-base coach Bob Dernier.