Here’s a beloved former MLB player filling some very big shoes. How will he do?
David Ross — Chicago Cubs
After Joe Maddon and the Cubs agreed to a mutual separation, Chicago chose Ross over Joe Espada to become the team’s new manager in October. Ross replaces one of the franchises most successful skipper, as Maddon helped lead the Cubs to the postseason in four of his five seasons there, including a World Series win in 2016 and two NL Central division titles. However, Maddon and the Cubbies had a horrific second-half last season and wound up seven games out of first, finishing 84-78 and missing the playoffs in 2019.
Ross, 43-years-old, is beloved by Cubs players, and it’s believed that he was chosen primarily because of his relationships with the guys in the clubhouse. But his leash will no doubt be short, just as it is for any first-time manager.
The biggest question is how patient will the Cubs be. Chicago enters the 2020 season with playoff expectations, as they have ever since Maddon took over as manager in 2015; however even with the major’s third-highest payroll in 2019 ($221.5 million), they failed to capitalize, leading to Maddon’s departure. The scenario is the same this year. The Cubs, once again a top-five spender in the league, are projected to win the division and — before COVID-19 — were given 52% playoff odds by FanGraphs.
The toughest in new proposal? No spitting
I highly doubt the Cubs front office is expecting a World Series appearance right out of the gate, but with guys like Javier Baez, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Wilson Contreras at Ross’s disposal… the Chicago brass would certainly like to see an immediate impact.
Ross has no doubt taken a tough job, but what makes this gig right for him is the fact that the Cubs chose him for his personality — a trait that obviously comes naturally for him. According to NBC Sports, the team’s buzzword for the offseason is accountability, which is something Maddon sometimes lacked due to his ultra-laid back approach. Ross, on the other hand, was widely well known for his tough-love attitude during his playing days, and the Cubs are hoping his style of play will help him succeed as a manager.
Growing pains will be inevitable, and even a contender like the Cubs should allow room for growth. But this isn’t some kind of apprenticeship. Ross will need to learn fast on the job AND provide results. If he doesn’t, he won’t be the first manager canned after just one season… and he certainly wouldn’t be the last. Expect Ross’s seat as the manager to stay pretty warm from here on out. He has to pay his dues first.