ESPN News Services, November 7, 2023, 3:21 p.m., 4 minutes read
Why hiring Craig Counsell is a big deal for the Cubs
David Schoenfield discusses the Cubs’ decision to hire Craig Counsell to replace David Ross as manager.
Brewers owner Mark Attanasio admitted he was as stunned as anyone about Craig Counsell’s move to the Cubs, but said he doesn’t feel “betrayed” by the longtime manager’s departure from Milwaukee.
The Cubs shocked the baseball world on Monday by firing manager David Ross and replacing him with Counsell, who was synonymous with the Brewers after spending the last 17 years with the organization as a player, executive and manager.
Attanasio told reporters that when Counsell informed him of his decision, he responded, “Are you messing with me?”
“We are all here today because we lost Craig,” Attanasio said. “But I thought about it – Craig lost us, and he lost our community too.”
Counsell, who led the budget-conscious Brewers to five playoff appearances and three NL Central titles over the last six years, became one of the biggest free agents in recent years when his contract expired at the end of this season.
Although he was expected to either stay with the Brewers or be signed by the New York Mets, Counsell ultimately landed with the Cubs and agreed to a five-year deal worth a record-breaking $40 million, sources told ESPN.
“It kind of came out of nowhere,” Brewers star Corbin Burnes told MLB.com. “I think my reaction is the same as everyone in the organization and the fan base: We’re just shocked at first.”
“I’m still processing it too,” Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff added. “I wasn’t expecting the Cubs. … But then when you think a little deeper, you kind of understand it.”
Attanasio was asked if he viewed Counsell’s move to the rival Cubs as a betrayal.
“Definitely not giving it away,” he said. “I’m so excited about what we have that I can’t imagine anyone wanting to be anywhere else. … Our goal for our family is for me and my sons to be the stewards of the community for a long time. Then hopefully after 2050 someone else will feel the same feelings for the team, the very special community.
“From the first day I got here, there was no place like Milwaukee in the country.”
Brewers owner Mark Attanasio said in his opening statement about Craig Counsell’s stunning move to the Cubs: “We are all here today because we lost Craig. But I’ve been thinking about it – Craig lost us, and he lost us.” Community too.”John Fisher/Getty Images
Attanasio said the Brewers previously offered Counsell a contract that would have made him “the highest-paid manager in baseball, both per season and as a package.”
“I really liked that, and he made the decision to go a different route,” said Attanasio, who declined to comment on whether the Brewers had the opportunity to match the Cubs’ offer.
Counsell grew up a Brewers fan in the Milwaukee suburb of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. His father, John Counsell, is the Brewers’ former director of community affairs.
The former Brewers infielder took over as Milwaukee coach in the 2015 season following the firing of Ron Roenicke and posted a 707-625 record in more than eight seasons, giving him the franchise record for wins and games managed.
But Counsell had already indicated in September that he was open to a move, according to Attanasio, who said he wanted to give Counsell a chance to test the open market.
“He has dedicated many years to the organization and asked for the opportunity to do this,” Attanasio said. “I want to support our people.”
Attanasio announced that Counsell’s coaching staff would be back with the team next season and said the Brewers were “committed to finding a manager who can be as successful as Craig.”
“We have a really good thing,” Attanasio said. “I give credit to Craig for helping build that and adding all those coaches – all of whom stayed.”
“So we will be looking for a manager who can continue to foster a great clubhouse culture and who can help us continue to win and hopefully overcome the slump in the playoffs.”
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.