The Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox have both been granted permission by the Texas Rangers to speak to pitching coach Mike Maddux regarding their managerial vacancies.

Maddux, a former Major Leaguer and brother of Greg Maddux, has served as the Rangers pitching coach for three seasons. Before Texas, he served in the same role in Milwaukee for six seasons. During Maddux's first season with the Rangers, the teams ERA dropped by a full run and have won back to back American League pennants.

The Cubs may have an edge over the Red Sox however. Greg Maddux served as an special assistant under former GM Jim Hendry and the Cubs are hoping to retain Greg Maddux in another capacity. The Red Sox were just one of many teams Mike Maddux played for in his career, so that could give the Red Sox a little push.

The Cubs also plan on interviewing Philadelphia Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin and Milwaukee Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum, both of whom already interviewed with the Red Sox. Both Cubs and the Red Sox appear to have the same list of candidates with Maddux, Mackanin, Sveum, and Dave Martinez. Both teams also said that Ryne Sandberg would not be considered.