After one full season and another disappointing finish, fans and league insiders are questioning whether Craig Counsell is worth the money helming the Chicago Cubs. Comparisons between Counsell and fan-favorite David Ross are boiling over after another regular season exit. But a closer look at the details suggests that Counsell’s hiring may yet yield its desired effect. The Cubs manager is signaling a bright future for the organization.
Craig Counsell Signals Bright Future for Cubs
Not Seeing Much Improvement
At first glance, the Cubs don’t appear to have fared any better under Counsell’s leadership in 2024. After all, they finished with the identical record (83-79) they had last year under David Ross.
The overall metrics show the North Siders hit below last year’s standard, finishing 17th in OPS (.740), nine spots lower than 2023 (.751). The pitching staff fared better finishing 10th in MLB, (.378 ERA), four spots ahead of last year’s team (4.08).
Shota Imanaga’s MLB debut ??
6 IP
2 H
0 ER
0 BB
9 K20 whiffs. 5 2/3 inning no-hit bid. pic.twitter.com/mvRybTg1yi
— Shawn Spradling (@Shawn_Spradling) April 1, 2024
Still Feeling the Magic
Two things Counsell talked about in his November 2023 news conference after becoming the Cubs manager were “place” and “process.” The magic of managing and playing at Wrigley Field, and the desire “to improve a process.”
On the last day of his first season at the helm of one of baseball’s most iconic teams, he was still speaking wistfully about the process. “The weekends here are magical,” he said, adding that it leads him to “naturally envision wanting to be great…”
A “Daunting” Task
A week before that, Counsell was talking tough about what the Cubs organization was facing. Driving home the message, he told reporters that the Cubs were “a talented team, but there’s a gap,” and that the job confronting the team was “daunting.” That appears to be the case.
Now three years into a rebuild, the Cubs find themselves in a difficult position. The NL Central division is loading up with talent. Despite this fact, the Milwaukee Brewers ended this season in virtually the same position as last season: ahead by a lot.
So, what is the future for Counsell and the Cubs? Here are some insights that might suggest the future is bright.
If Past is Prologue
For a start, let’s take a look at Counsell’s time with the Brewers. In his first season with Milwaukee in 2015, the Brewers ended up with a 61-76 record after he took over midseason. The next season they improved on that record by 12 wins, ending 73-89 but finished 30 1/2 games behind first-place Chicago. That was the year the Cubs won the World Series.
Counsell and the Brewers front office kept working and in 2017 they finished with an 86-76 record and just six games back of Chicago. That’s a 25-win improvement in two seasons. That was the lowest win total of Counsell’s remaining tenure (excepting the 2020 season). The Counsell-led Brewers won over 90 games in three out of his last five full seasons. They also finished in first or second place in the division every year.
Adjust Getting Started
His first year with the Cubs began with an abbreviated preseason. Counsell’s track record indicates that he takes some time to analyze what he’s got before making changes. If his record in Milwaukee is any indication, the Cubs will likely finish better in 2025.
But how will they do it? Will Counsell convince President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer to spend big for a top-of-the-market position player like Juan Soto? Not likely, but not for the reason you might think.
An Eye-Popping Revelation
In 2023, Counsell’s last season in Milwaukee, the Brewers finished first in MLB in team ERA. What’s more, in every season the team finished first in the division, they had over 90 wins. And crucially, they led the NL Central in pitching.
Okay, it’s not a jaw-dropper to learn that pitching wins pennants. Unless you’re trying to figure out what Craig Counsell’s biggest moves are going to be this offseason. If the Cubs spend big at all, it will almost surely be for pitching, and probably a starter.
Counsell v. Ross
So what about the intangibles? The little things Counsell brings to the table that his predecessor didn’t or doesn’t yet possess. They had the same game face. The blank emotionless stare, the handshake and the pat on the back for a nice play, and the endless seed-chewing.
One thing Counsell does better is that he plays players where they work. If you play your position well, especially if you hit too, you’re going to play. Joe Maddon liked to play with his lineup and his defense, and David Ross seemed to learn that style from him. One hopes he unlearns it for his next managerial stint.
The Case of PCA
Players like to know when they get to the ballpark what their job is. They like to know that if they earn a spot it’s theirs. Counsell rewards good play with more play. It’s a simple rule, but it is so effective. A prime example of that is Pete Crow-Armstrong.
PCA had his struggles at the plate early on, but Counsell realized his plus-plus talent in the field and rewarded the young player with playing time, advice, and instruction. No one who watched the young center fielder’s progress this season can say that it hasn’t paid off. With a little more improvement, PCA will be a superstar in this league.
PCA with an inside the park homer to tie it up ??
THIS GUY IS FAST
— Just Another Year Chicago: Cubs (@JAYChi_Cubs) August 23, 2024
Craig Counsell Has Earned the Right to Speak and Be Heard
Another intangible is the track record, and the extent of his relationship and pull inside the organization. Counsell earned the right to speak up and suggest improvements and it paid off in his former job. One expects that will continue in Chicago over the next however many years.
He’s not wasting any time getting to it either. Not two days into the offseason, Counsell is already making moves. First base coach Mike Napoli, bullpen coach Darren Holmes, and assistant hitting coach Jim Adduci were among a group of Cubs helpers that are not in his future plan. Whether there will be more to come remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the season may be through, but Counsell isn’t done working.
Respect for Ross, Hope for Counsell
David Ross should, and likely will, get another chance to manage at the big league level if he wants to. There is buzz that he could end up in Cincinnati with the Reds next season. That would pit the two managers against each other and give Ross a chance at revenge.
Although “Rossy” will always live in the hearts of Cub fans, this fan base is jonesing to get back to the postseason. And it’s counting on Craig Counsell to help get them there. If his past performance is any indication, this Cubs manager signals a bright future.
Photo Credit: © Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
