The recent decision of the Chicago Cubs to fire David Ross in order to hire Craig Counsell as their new manager has raised eyebrows and sparked controversy within the baseball community. Cubs president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, acknowledged that it was a “very hard decision” but believed it was the best move for their fan base. While it may seem like a bold and risky move, the Cubs organization is confident that Counsell’s exceptional managerial abilities and track record will elevate the team’s performance and bring success to the franchise.
The idea of replacing Ross with Counsell started to grow in Hoyer’s mind last month when Counsell was entertaining offers from other teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers. Hoyer, recognizing Counsell’s talent and potential, seized the opportunity as soon as his contract with Milwaukee expired. The Cubs wasted no time and signed Counsell to a five-year, $40 million deal. This decision was not taken lightly, as Hoyer’s primary goal is to win as many games as possible in both the short and long term.
The process of considering Counsell as a replacement for Ross was a confidential matter within the Cubs organization. Only a few key individuals, such as owner Tom Ricketts, were aware of this possibility. This discretion reflects the magnitude of the decision and the high regard in which Ross was held within the organization. Described as an exceptional player and a significant part of the Cubs’ success in their 2016 World Series victory, Ross was chosen by the Cubs to succeed Joe Maddon as the team’s manager in 2019. Despite his contributions, the organization believes that Counsell’s capabilities and accomplishments surpass those of Ross.
Hoyer’s admiration for Counsell began around 2017 when the Cubs were engaged in a fierce rivalry with the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL Central crown. Although the Cubs ultimately emerged victorious, Counsell’s leadership and the Brewers’ commendable performance caught Hoyer’s attention. The Brewers consistently surpassed expectations and outperformed their competition. Hoyer even compared Counsell’s managerial prowess to that of Bear Bryant, the legendary college football coach, emphasizing his ability to utilize his resources effectively and strategically.
Critics have raised concerns about Counsell’s lack of postseason success with the Brewers, as they never made it to a World Series and only reached the NLCS once. However, Hoyer argues that a manager’s ability to navigate the marathon of the regular season is a better indicator of skill than just their postseason record. Consistency and longevity matter, and Counsell has shown his ability to consistently max out the potential of his roster, even during seasons when the Brewers had a lower payroll than other teams.
In the era of three wild-card teams, making it to the playoffs has become even more critical. Hoyer highlighted that in the past four years, the lowest seed in the NL has made it to the World Series each year. The Cubs’ decision to hire Counsell reflects their desire to secure a postseason spot by utilizing his talent for getting the most out of a roster. Despite missing the playoffs this year, the Cubs had a higher run differential than the playoff-bound Brewers, suggesting that Counsell’s managerial skills could be the missing piece to ensure the team’s success.
Counsell’s salary reflects the Cubs’ recognition of his exceptional abilities as a manager. He now holds the title of the highest-paid manager since Joe Torre’s tenure with the Yankees. Hoyer highlights the demanding nature of the managerial position and the responsibilities it entails, which go beyond on-field strategy. A manager must navigate complex people management dynamics and serve as the face of the franchise. With his exceptional aptitude for the role, Counsell’s significant contract is a justified investment.
Despite the hiring of Counsell, the Cubs do not intend to embark on an overly aggressive offseason. While they will explore the free-agent pool and will be active in the trade market, their signing of Counsell is not an indication of drastic changes in their strategy. The Cubs aim to maintain their trajectory of success, making strategic moves that align with their goals and available opportunities.
The decision to replace David Ross with Craig Counsell as the Chicago Cubs’ manager signifies the organization’s commitment to winning and satisfying their fan base. It is a calculated move that considers Counsell’s exceptional managerial abilities, track record, and ability to maximize a team’s potential. Despite the critics’ concerns about postseason success, the Cubs believe that Counsell’s talent and strategic mindset will lead them to new heights. Only time will tell if this decision will prove to be a winning one for the Cubs and their loyal fan base.
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