While I still have a weird feeling that comes over me when I see Craig Counsell in Cubs gear, I think it does bring an element of excitement to spring training that hasn’t been there in the last couple years. It’s new, it’s change, it’s different. And while sometimes all that makes us uncomfortable, it does come with some excitement.
If we're being completely honest, I was a fan of Rossy. I loved that he was a player, I loved that he was a Cub and I loved that he was our manager. Were there things that I didn't necessarily agree with, sure. I'm sure that will be the way with every manager and the way they manage the roster. But was I ready to see him relieved of his duties, no. And something about it still feels dirty about the way it was handled and the way the organization went about it. I feel like just weeks before it was announced maybe even days before it was announced that Craig counsel would manage the Cubs Jed Hoyer stood in front of the city and all the media and assured us all that David Ross was the manager of the Cubs and would be the manager of the Cubs going forward. Then out of nowhere the next time we hear anything from the organization is the announcement that Craig counsel has been hired as the next manager of the Chicago Cubs. The whole thing left me feeling like I needed a shower.
Do I think Craig Counsell is a great manager? Absolutely. Has my hatred for Craig Counsell been ingrained in me as part of being a cub fan? Again, absolutely. So this whole thing still feels a bit weird. But there is a part of me however, that can't help but feel that something different is in store for all Cubs fans this year. Like we are in store for something good.
With all that being said, I am excited. Seeing Counsell in the dugout in Cubs gear while yes, it is weird, it does stir a bit of excitement and has me looking forward to the 2024 season and what it will bring