The Cubs have yet to grab firm hold of a playoff spot, but they’ve clearly done enough to prove to the organization’s brass that they’re worth investing in.
David Ross was thrilled to see that resolve.
Chicago has been a fascinating team this season. The Cubs have an exciting, young core that is on the rise, and they rounded out the roster this offseason with veterans like Cody Bellinger on prove-it deals.
Despite being outside the playoff picture at present, the Cubs play in a weak division. The upstart Reds lead the division by 1.5 games over the second-place Brewers, with the Cubs are five games out of first for the division. They trail the final wild card spot by 3.5 games.
The Cubs would have been fair to take any approach, really. They could’ve sold and said they are loading up for the future, or stood pat and claimed they wanted to see what this year’s group could do.
Instead, they bought, with the big splash being Monday’s addition of Jeimer Candelario, who can play either corner infield spot and DH. Ross said Tuesday on Bernstein & Holmes that the group never had doubt they'd be in a position to buy.
"The guys really never wavered, to be honest," Ross said. "The character of the group we’ve talked a lot about this year, the ups and downs of the season and these guys, knowing backs against the wall, so to speak, and playing really well. A nice stretch coming out of the break. Yeah, it’s nice to be adding. ...
“These guys are professionals, they’re winners, they’re all-in," Ross said. "Their work ethic, their focus, their concentration, it really never wavered. They stayed positive in the midst of turmoil, and things can go wrong and these guys pick themselves up and did a nice job of playing really good baseball.
“Finding ways to win at a critical time of the season, that’s character. I've talked a lot about that with this group, there’s a high-character group in there, also talented, obviously. But those things stand out are cool to see, cool to be a part of.”
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