Chicago, IL (My Sportsbook) - The Chicago Cubs announced on Thursday night that they are expected to talk to former San Francisco manager Dusty Baker early next week regarding their managerial vacancy.

"We had a nice conversation, 10, 12 minutes," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said late Thursday after talking to Baker earlier in the day. "Everything was great. I enjoyed talking to him."

Baker was going out of town on a hunting trip, which will delay a face-to-face conversation until next week.

Just one day earlier on Wednesday, the Giants announced that Baker was leaving the team due to his contract expiring.

Baker led the Giants to the World Series this season before San Francisco lost to the Anaheim Angels in seven games.

Giants general manager Brian Sabean had conversed with Baker's agent Jeff Moorad on Tuesday night and again on Wednesday morning, but said it became clear that an agreement wasn't going to be reached. Sabean then made the recommendation to Giants' managing general partner Peter Magowan that talks be severed.

The 53-year-old Baker managed San Francisco for 10 seasons, compiling an 840-715 mark. The Giants went 95-66 in 2002 and earned the NL wild card spot.

Baker was voted manager of the year three times, including 1993, his first season in San Francisco.

The Seattle Mariners also have a managing vacancy and are likely to express interest in hiring Baker. interest in hiring Baker.

Baker is one of only three skippers to manage the Giants for at least 10 seasons. The legendary John McGraw was at the helm for 31 years (1902-32), while McGraw's replacement, Bill Terry, held the position for 10 seasons (1932-41).

Baker played 16 seasons in the major leagues with Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland and was a .278 lifetime hitter.