CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Former Milwaukee Brewers skipper Craig Counsell says becoming the new manager for the rival Chicago Cubs is a scary and uncomfortable challenge -- but in the best way.
“The organization is just in great health. It is time to be a Cub. There is momentum happening here, and it feels close, and that means there’s a really exciting future ahead of us,” Counsell, 53, said Monday during an introductory news conference with the Chicago media.
This was a fast-paced hire, and came at the expense of David Ross, the former Cubs catcher and manager who failed to take a late-surging ballclub into this year’s postseason.
Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer didn't reach out to Counsell until Nov. 1 to hire him away from Milwaukee for a reported cost of more than $40 million over five years, making him the highest-paid manager in the league.
For Counsell’s part, he said he has a lot to learn as he prepares to put together a coaching staff. He said he’ll start by building relationships, the most important way to create success.
Counsell led the Brewers to five playoff appearances in six years, including three NL Central titles. His contract expired at the end of the season. His 707-625 record gives him the franchise record for wins and games managed.
The new Cubs skipper, who donned a pinstriped Cubs jersey for the first time, said he recently talked with Ross on the phone and praised his predecessor.
“David is a very good man,” Counsell said. “David texted me, probably before the news broke here. I called him back immediately. We had what I think was a very good conversation that gave me – I’ve always had great respect for David, that gave me the ultimate respect for David, the way he handled the conversation.
“Part of this business is really difficult, and it’s really cut-throat. As a player, I’ve lived it, David has lived it, every player lives it every day. But I respect the heck out of David Ross.”
Contributing: 670 The Score (WBBM Newsradio’s sister station) and The Associated Press
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