Cubs hiring Jim Hickey as pitching coach

The worst-kept secret in Chicago is now apparently official, according to Sun-Times beat writer Gordon Wittenmyer:

Lest you think this is just Gordo, the hire of Jim Hickey to be the next Cubs pitching coach is also being reported by NBC Sports Chicago’s Patrick Mooney:

The Cubs are about to close a deal with Jim Hickey that will make him their new pitching coach, a source familiar with the situation said Thursday, part of a much broader shakeup to Joe Maddon’s staff and a team that will need to replace 40 percent of the rotation and find a new closer.

The Cubs essentially limited their search to one candidate after firing Chris Bosio last week, knowing Hickey’s close relationship with Maddon,…