The Chicago Cubs are hiring Craig Counsell as their manager, sources tell ESPN.
A blockbuster move for Chicago, which had David Ross as their manager but will now go with Counsell, who had spent the previous decade with their division rival Milwaukee. @Ken_Rosenthal was on it.
Looks like the Cubs just waited until after that random deadline and pounced:
The Cubs needed to ask the Brewers permission to speak to Counsell before Nov.1. They did not. So this ALL came together in the last few days. Its likely to be the most expensive managerial hire in MLB history.
This is a far greater shock than Maddon was in 2014, and I think Hoyer just sent an unambiguous message that the Cubs will be extremely aggressive this offseason.
I got nothing against Ross, but this is pretty huge.
Perkins:
This is a far greater shock than Maddon was in 2014, and I think Hoyer just sent an unambiguous message that the Cubs will be extremely aggressive this offseason.
I got nothing against Ross, but this is pretty huge.
I’m sure the dollar amount really moved Counsell (….to a bigger house!), but I have to hope that the Cubs made assurances about their offseason plans that made him more excited to sign. Here’s hoping.
Comments
Holy shit
PerkinsQuote Reply
I can’t argue with you today
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I need the audio from last night of RC saying, “I don’t think Ross will get Renteria’d.” (dying laughing)
andcountingQuote Reply
andcounting,
Oh yeah that’s going in
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Some quick updates to post
Rice CubeQuote Reply
This is a far greater shock than Maddon was in 2014, and I think Hoyer just sent an unambiguous message that the Cubs will be extremely aggressive this offseason.
I got nothing against Ross, but this is pretty huge.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I guess this means no more sad Counsell after the Cubs beat the Brewers, though.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I think we can still use it as a metaphor
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Holy shit
berseliusQuote Reply
Not sure how I feel about this other than surprise. I was pretty neutral on Ross.
berseliusQuote Reply
And yes the real winner is us because we can use the Counsell pic more often (dying laughing)
berseliusQuote Reply
I forgot about that pic earlier when I used the David Ross double birds as featured pic, oh well
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Some stuff
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Rice Cube,
Tbh you chose the right one (dying laughing)
berseliusQuote Reply
I’m now somewhat pleased I decided to just sleep on the edit from last night but there are some chunks we can still use hehe…
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I’m sure the dollar amount really moved Counsell (….to a bigger house!), but I have to hope that the Cubs made assurances about their offseason plans that made him more excited to sign. Here’s hoping.
berseliusQuote Reply
Ohtani when
berseliusQuote Reply
berselius,
There isn’t a free agent available right now who isn’t 100% convinced the Cubs are all-in for 2024.
andcountingQuote Reply
Sign Ohtani and Belli, trade pca for Darvish. Get on it Jed
berseliusQuote Reply
My immediate concern was also the meme
SKQuote Reply
Also fuck the A’s
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Might not have to worry about this as much eh
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Updated as David Ross did indeed get Renteria’d, officially
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Rice Cube,
Ok, I am sold.
berseliusQuote Reply
That’s pretty official
Rice CubeQuote Reply
One of those rare days when I feel like I’m dreaming the Cubs are listening to me.
andcountingQuote Reply
andcounting,
I did save the goofs from last night so we can add to it tonight if folks be interested (dying laughing)
I legit thought to myself “wow everything we said last night could be completely obsolete or irrelevant by today” and today did not disappoint
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Don’t tell me what to also do.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
I recalled hearing about this craziness in one-run games in passing and I guess it’s documented
https://www.si.com/mlb/2023/08/14/brewers-milwaukee-magic-one-run-games-playoffs
Rice CubeQuote Reply
You’re still fired
Rice CubeQuote Reply
One subtle downside of hiring Counsell is that there will be one less person who can zip out to buy beer and champagne if the Cubs ever win anything.
To be fair, Counsell has aged up from looking like he was 15 in his playing days to looking about 20 now.
berseliusQuote Reply
Ah, the QOs
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/11/seven-players-receive-qualifying-offers.html?utm_source=twitter
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Is that really all the QOs? That seems crazy to me.
andcountingQuote Reply
andcounting,
Pretty meh class this offseason as we’ve known for a while so it isn’t too surprising although I did think there would be at least 10
Rice CubeQuote Reply
New Cubs manager already getting accolades-ish
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Based on this, Smyly opted in:
Cubs FA include:
– Bellinger
– Stroman
– Fulmer
– Candelario
– Boxberger
…and two random pitchers nobody cares about anyway (Greene, Duffey)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Not that the three finalists aren’t deserving for NL Cy Young but none of them are Justin Steele and that seems weird
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Didn’t think I’d see this. I’m impressed.
dmick89Quote Reply
A quick blurb on how the Cubs snagged Counsell with a link to the Athletic article for those interested
https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2023/11/06/the-story-of-how-the-cubs-landed-craig-counsell-and-kept-it-completely-secret/
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I guess Willy and Ross didn’t think much of each other?
https://twitter.com/jwinesack66/status/1721611076377158121?t=YEqZdLY47ksClDh2Af8fkQ&s=19
Rice CubeQuote Reply
New shit you can listen to –> http://www.obstructedview.net/podcast/dreamcast-77-back-on-the-bandwagon-again/
Rice CubeQuote Reply