In the world of baseball, the hiring of Craig Counsell as the manager of the Chicago Cubs has generated much excitement and anticipation. The Cubs organization is looking to continue the positive trajectory they had under David Ross, with the goal of sustained success and a strong presence in the playoffs.
Last season, the Cubs stumbled towards the finish line, ending with a disappointing record. This slump played a significant role in the decision to hire Counsell from the Milwaukee Brewers, a division rival. The Cubs were willing to make a record-setting financial commitment of five years, $40 million to secure Counsell's services. One of Counsell's strengths is his ability to keep a team fresh and performing at a high level as they approach the end of the season.
During his tenure with the Brewers, Counsell led the team to the postseason in five of the last six seasons, showcasing their ability to consistently win games. His teams demonstrated a .580 winning percentage after July 31 in six of the last seven seasons, excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. As spring training begins, Counsell's top priority is to build the necessary depth, discipline, and mental toughness within the Cubs' roster, positioning them well for a competitive National League Central race.
One of Counsell's notable achievements with the Brewers was his ability to achieve success without having a high payroll. The Brewers consistently ranked in the bottom portion of payroll rankings throughout his tenure, yet they managed to win games through exceptional teamwork. In 2018, the team won 96 games and came within one win of reaching the World Series, despite ranking 26th in payroll. This success was attributed to their impressive defensive capabilities and smart utilization of offensive opportunities.
With players like Gold Glovers Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner, the Cubs have the potential to form a team similar to Counsell's successful Milwaukee squads. The challenge for Counsell and his coaching staff, including pitching coach Tommy Hottovy and new bench coach Ryan Flaherty, will be to create a level of stinginess that was a hallmark of the Brewers' success. The Cubs' roster may dictate how far they can replicate that success in Counsell's first year at Wrigley Field, but the commitment from the organization gives him a fighting chance.
As the spring training season begins, there are several key areas to watch for the Cubs under Counsell's leadership. First and foremost, it will be interesting to see how Counsell utilizes Christopher Morel, a young and promising hitter who displayed power potential during the previous season. Morel has primarily served as a utility player, but Counsell will need to find the best position and role for him to maximize his contributions to the team.
Additionally, Cubs fans are eager to see how General Manager Jed Hoyer utilizes available funds, with players like Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman potentially on the market. The Cubs have money to spend, and the question remains whether they will invest in big-name acquisitions or maintain flexibility for mid-season trades.
Another area of focus will be on top prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong, who had a limited showing in the majors last season but possesses immense potential. A strong performance in spring training could solidify his position as a future centerpiece for the Cubs.
Counsell, known for his knack in developing talented pitchers, will also be on the lookout for potential aces among the Cubs' pitching prospects. Building a strong rotation will be crucial for the team's success, and Counsell will be working closely with players like Jordan Wicks and Cade Horton to help elevate their games.
Lastly, there is the question of the catcher position. While veteran Yan Gomes has earned his playing time, it may be time to give Miguel Amaya a chance to shine. Amaya has shown significant improvement in the minors last season, and Counsell and new coaching addition Mike Napoli will be working to help him reach his full potential.
As the Cubs and their fans embark on this new chapter with Craig Counsell at the helm, there is a sense of optimism and excitement in the air. With his proven ability to lead teams to success and an organization that is committed to winning, Counsell has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the Cubs' journey to sustained success.
