In a bold managerial switch-up, Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts has ushered in a new era for the ball club, pinning hopes on ex-Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell to forge a winning path. Former manager David Ross, once "our guy," according to Ricketts, was shown the exit despite a previous vote of confidence, reported by the Chicago Tribune. Counsell, who comes with a $40 million price tag for five years, carries the weight of reversing the Cubs' fortune and living up to Ricketts' high expectations.
The decision to swap Ross for Counsell seemed to materialize after Counsell's contract with the Brewers came to a close - sparking Ricketts’ interest in what he describes as "one of the best managers in baseball." Yet, when addressing the team's outlook, Ricketts didn't shy away from expressing his confidence, saying, "I don’t see any reasons why we wouldn’t be favored for our division this year," neglecting, the fact that the division's overall strength is nothing to write home about. This sentiment reflects a strong belief in the team's talent and new leadership, according to the Tribune.
Another pressing issue for the Cubs is the status of outfielder Cody Bellinger. Ricketts has opted to defer to President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer in dealings with Bellinger's agent, Scott Boras, stating, "I don’t talk to Scott. One of his signature moves is to go talk to the owner. But when you do that you undermine the credibility of your general manager," as he told the NWITimes. Despite fan interest in seeing Bellinger return, discussions appear to be in limbo, with Ricketts indicating a negotiation has yet to truly kick off.
On the financial front, Ricketts has closed the door on any speculation about a substantial payroll increase unless coupled with a revenue boost. With a projected CBT payroll hovering around $205 million, Ricketts emphasizes consistency and smart spending over splashy expenditures, noting that the team budget is "determined as we boil out the expenses effectively," suggesting fiscal restraint ahead, as reported by the NWITimes. This strategy may cast doubts on the Cubs' commitment compared to high-rolling rivals, particularly with the Dodgers' recent jaw-dropping deals.
Ricketts also commented on Wrigley Field's bid to host an MLB All-Star Game, citing security requirements as the main stumbling block to hurdle. He remains optimistic, however, that progress is being made with the city to potentially secure the event. An All-Star Game would provide a significant financial windfall for Chicago, an aspect surely not lost on Ricketts and the Cubs' brass.
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