The Grass Hasn’t Been Greener For Craig Counsell

There was much hype surrounding the Chicago Cubs when they pried away Craig Counsell from the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs locked him up to a five-year, $40 million deal making him the highest-paid manager in the game’s history. Many people assumed this would lead to the Brewers’ downfall and the Cubs returning to the postseason. However, it hasn’t worked out that way. Milwaukee has led the NL Central most of the season while the Cubs have struggled. Making matters worse, the Brewers won the season series against the Cubs this year. I guess the grass wasn’t greener for Craig Counsell as many presumed it would be.

A Lot Of Hype Surrounded Craig Counsell And The Cubs

Everyone remembers that this past offseason, the Chicago Cubs shockingly lured Craig Counsell away from Milwaukee to manage their team. The Cubs signed him to a five-year, $40 million contract. This made Counsell the highest-paid manager in the history of the game. Cubs’ fans viewed him as the final piece for them to get back to the postseason. Meanwhile, Brewers fans thought they were doomed. However, people forget that the games must be played on the field.

The Cubs Have Failed To Live Up To Expectations

Despite the hype surrounding Craig Counsell and the Cubs, the Brewers have led the NL Central for most of the season. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs are currently in last place and were last above .500 on May 28^th. Counsell has figured out that he can’t aggressively manage his bullpen like he did in Milwaukee. The Cubs have had a hard time holding leads as they’ve blown 24 of them this season. Chicago has also struggled to finish games; they’ve blown 19 saves this season as well. This is the third most in the National League this season and only the Dodgers and Rockies have blown more saves. The Brewers bullpen on the other hand has been one of the most consistent in the National League.

Offensive Issues Seem To Plague Counsell Again

Offensive issues were a big theme for most of Counsell’s time in Milwaukee. The problem seems to have followed him down I-94 as well. This season, the Cubs are ranked 14^th in the National League, only averaging 4.04 runs per game. The only team averaging fewer runs than the Cubs are the hapless Miami Marlins. Dansby Swanson, Christopher Morel, Nico Hoerner, and Cody Bellinger have all experienced drops in production. Since Counsell left, the Brewers have been one of the better offensive teams in baseball. Younger players like Brice Turang, Joey Ortiz, and Jackson Chourio have all progressed nicely.

Newer Isn’t Always Better

Sometimes the grass isn’t greener on the other side. Craig Counsell has been figuring this out this season. While the Brewers have thrived, Chicago has struggled. Making matters worse, the Brewers won the season series over Craig Counsell’s Cubs. While losing Counsell might’ve hurt in the short term, Brewers fans have certainly gotten a lot of satisfaction seeing his new team struggle. Counsell may be getting more money, however, he isn’t getting more wins or the opportunity to go to the postseason.

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