Cubs interested in hiring Jaramillo

Well-regarded hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo is talking to the Cubs about becoming their hitting coach, sources say.

Several teams have shown interest in Jaramillo, but it is believed the Cubs are favored to land him.

The Cubs have been in contact with Jaramillo since he declined an offer to remain with the Rangers. Jaramillo is so well thought of that he is expected to receive a salary of about $750,000 with the Cubs, who had a disappointing season offensively. Jaramillo made about $600,000 with the Rangers, where he has been hitting coach for 15 years.

The Cubs were 10th in the NL in runs with 730 and 10th in OPS with a .738 mark. The Cubs used two hitting coaches in 2009, starting with Gerald Perry, who was fired in June and replaced by Von Joshua.