Cubs to discuss coaching staff's future in the next week

DENVER — General manager Jed Hoyer said commitments haven’t been made yet for next year’s coaching staff.

The biggest decision might involve the status of interim hitting coach James Rowson, who replaced the fired Rudy Jaramillo in June.

“We’ll have a lot of conversations over the next week, with all the coaches, some with just Dale, some internally,” Hoyer said. “We’re not in position right not to give answers on that one.”

NOTES

–The Cubs plan to look at third base options outside the organization, with Ian Stewart expected to be non-tendered. And Sveum said Luis Valbuena could return in a prominent role there again if the front office doesn’t sign a bona fide starter.

–Hoyer said he has mixed feelings about the significance of avoiding 100 losses this season. “I’m not going to feel any better about a 96-loss season or a 98-loss season or a 100-loss season,” he said.