November 6, 2023: Nice Surprise

How many true surprises are there nowadays in sports? With social media, anonymous sources, the “hot stove”, there’s always some inkling about something going on. Well, color me shocked. We received a nice surprise on Monday afternoon. David Ross has been relieved of his managerial duties. Craig Counsell will be the next manager of the Chicago Cubs. Thank you.

First off, let’s talk about Rossy. He was part of the 2016 World Series team, so he’s forever a legend in Chicago, period. I loved him as part of that squad; he was, like many of the guys, a critical member. That being said, can’t say I was that big of a fan of his managerial prowess. Although many catchers make good managers because they can manage a pitching staff, this was not the case; many questions about his decisions, which, if the team is losing, comes with the territory. Not that crazy about a lot of his lineup decisions either… It sort of felt like Ross was a placeholder, until the Cubs got serious again about winning. Well… I guess we’re getting serious again?

Just got done talking about expectations… and how if you don’t have any, you can be pleasantly surprised. Well, that’s kind of how last year’s Cubs season went. I didn’t expect much, enjoyed the heck out of the ride, and yes, was still disappointed how it ended. The hiring of Craig Counsell changes everything. Was I a big fan of his? How much of a fan could I be of a Milwaukee Brewer manager??? Did I respect him? I guess. But, per the MLB experts, he is one of the best managers in today’s game. Do I believe that? Guess we’ll see. I remember many Brewers fans complaining about his decisions… I guess that’s something in common across the board. But yeah, this has to sting for Brewers’ fans. We take over their stadium and now we’ve taken their manager. I guess for that point alone I’m good with this.

More importantly though is the type of manager that Counsell will be. I’ll tell you one thing: he’s the highest paid manager in the MLB. Now come the results right? Well, at the end of the day, it’s about the players on the field, and if this hiring/firing is a sign of things to come, about us getting serious, then I’m here for it. I saw Stroman did us a solid and declined his player option, freeing up substantial cap space along with Heyward’s money finally off the books. Kyle and Gomes will be back; that’s good. But much, much more work to do. Will we offer Cody a contract to come back? Maybe it’s Alonso, Soto… Ohtani? Oh yeah, we need pitching too. It was fun to see Nico and Dansby get Gold Gloves; solid D up the middle is important. I was shocked to see Happy get one.. congrats? Yes, the work has just begun, but this was quite the statement by the Cubbies, especially after they all endorsed Rossy. How did this all come about, and how did the Cubs keep this such a secret?

It will be interesting to read about this in the days, weeks, months to come, and I’m sure the Brewers Cubs games will have a little extra juice, but… it’s about getting back to the postseason, and while this new manager has high praise and is certainly better than Ross, it’s about building up this roster, and spending the money the Cubs have. Excited about this move; more excited about what’s next. Go Cubs!!!