Description: he / him • Oxford
Photos Highlights About Ross → Counsell I saw the news last night ( GMT ) and my jaw dropped. I don’t think I’m alone; perhaps the most widespread reaction to the news that the Chicago Cubs have fired manager David Ross, and signed Craig Counsell, is shock . And it’s not because Counsell isn’t a great manager — the argument can be (and has been) made, that he’s the best in MLB . He’s certainly in that conversation. What makes the move so stunning is that, at the end of the 2023 regular season, there was
Plus, Cubs' President of Baseball Operations, Jed Hoyer, had made no indications that a managerial change was on his mind. “I was very pleased with Rossy this year,” he told reporters at the end of the season. “Rossy had a great season, and the players play hard for him. He’s our guy.”
So, what changed? Quite possibly it’s as simple as: Craig Counsell became available. All other things being equal, I think the Cubs go into the 2024 season with David Ross. But when arguably the sport’s best manager hits the market, I guess you have to have that conversation — and apparently you have to have it in absolute secrecy , so that when the news lands, it hits like a brick.