Quade’s Cubs future to be determined soon

The fate of Cubs manager Mike Quade could be determined within a week, according to Theo Epstein, the Cubs’ president of baseball operations.

Epstein introduced his new management team Tuesday at Wrigley Field, where he was asked about Quade.

It’s likely the decision whether to retain or fire Quade will be a collaborative one between Epstein and new general manager Jed Hoyer.

“Jed and I met personally with Mike for six or seven hours last week; I’ll keep the rest of the details of the meeting confidential,” Epstein said. “It was a good meeting, a productive meeting, a thorough meeting.

“Mike is clearly a good baseball guy. We have a lot to process. We hope to speak again shortly, and we hope to have a resolution on this matter certainly within a week from now.”

Quade took over as Cubs manager in August 2010 and received a two-year contract after that season. In 2011, he led the Cubs to a record of 71-91.

Epstein and Hoyer addressed other pressing matters.

ŸOn pitcher Carlos Zambrano, who left the team in August and was placed on the disqualified list:

“Answering that question without sitting down with Carlos, at least talking to him on the phone, would be premature,” Epstein said. “I have had conversations with Barry Praver, Carlos’ representative, and that was an enlightening conversation.

“I’ve sat down with a number of the guys who’ve been here working alongside Carlos during his Cubs career. That was also enlightening.

“Right now, it’s a matter of processing the information, putting it together and following up directly with Carlos and seeing what’s best for the Cubs. That’s ultimately what’s most important.”

ŸOn the possibility of free-agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez re-signing with the Cubs:

“The first thing I’d like to say is he had a terrific career with the Cubs while he was here,” Epstein said. “In my talks with (assistant GM) Randy (Bush) and Mike Quade and the guys in the organization, Aramis was a major contributor sometimes in ways that didn’t become immediately apparent to the fans and the media.

“He sometimes played hurt and did a lot of things behind the scenes that helped contribute to the Cubs, so we certainly wish him well in the future.

“Given his position as the top free-agent third baseman, it’s certainly a likelihood that another team will make him a contract (offer) that appeals to him. … Reading the tea leaves, it seems likely they’ll be moving on and we’ll be looking for a new solution at third.”

ŸOn settling the compensation issue with the Boston Red Sox, who allowed the Cubs to negotiate with Epstein:

“There hasn’t been resolution yet,” Epstein said. “It will be turned over to Major League Baseball at the end of the day (Tuesday).

“Baseball will go through that process, and it will possibly take a certain amount of time. Whether there will be an extension for the clubs to continue to talk is not clear yet.”