I was all set to write a post about the Cubs three recent Gold Glove Award winners. Then yesterday, that news got trumped, and then some!
David Ross, who owner Tom Ricketts said a couple weeks ago "was our guy" is out, replaced by Brewer's manager Craig Counsell. This caught everyone by surprise. The thinking was that Ross was safe and the Mets were going to get Counsell if he didn't re-up in Milwaukee.
But the Cubs stormed in and offered Counsell more money than any MLB manager has ever made. It was an offer he couldn't refuse, and he took it.
In his four years, Ross' record was 262-284, a .480 clip. Meanwhile, Counsell led the Brewers to a 707-625 record, which is a .531 percentage. The numbers make the move seem to be a no-brainer. It's reminiscent of when the Cubs hired Joe Maddon, who unexpectedly became available, and dumped RIck Renteria.
I like the move because it shows that the Cubs are serious about winning now. Hopefully this is the first of many off-season moves that will be made to improve the team. As for Ross, he will always have a warm spot in the hearts of Cubs fans for what he did with the 2015 and 2016 teams. That part of his legacy will not be diminished by his stint as manager.
I completely agree about Ross' managerial stint not diminishing his time as a player.
ReplyDeleteYes, this transaction came completely out of left field. Wow!
I think the clubhouse had a really good culture under Ross, which is part of the reason the team overachieved (in my eyes) last season. I hope the new managerial blood can keep that going.
I'm also expecting some big-ish moves now with the addition of this high profile move.
We have too much talent on the farm... they can't put everyone on the 40-man roster who needs protecting. It's time to package some of these young guys for some established pieces. I'd send a few to the White Sox and see if can't get a year of Dylan Cease (after a down year), and maybe extend him. There's lots of moves out there that could strengthen this club.
Complete agreement with you and P-Town! Mrs. Jafronius...not so much.
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