Could The Brewers Get The Last Laugh On Craig Counsell?

This past offseason, Brewers fans were left feeling shocked and outraged when longtime manager Craig Counsell surprisingly departed for the archrival Chicago Cubs. The team immediately promoted bench coach Pat Murphy to be the manager. Many people assumed the shocking departure of Counsell would have devastating consequences for Milwaukee. However, the Brewers currently lead the NL Central over the Cubs. The Brewers may get the last laugh on Craig Counsell.

Counsell’s Shocking Departure

Before hiring Counsell, Chicago publicly said that incumbent manager David Ross would return. Despite efforts by the Brewers to bring him back, the Cubs surprisingly lured Counsell away from Milwaukee to be their manager. The Cubs signed the Wisconsin native to a five-year $40 million deal. This made Counsell the highest-paid manager in the history of the game. Many people thought that Counsell would get Chicago back to the postseason and that Milwaukee would never recover.

The Brewers Are Thriving While The Cubs Have Been Mediocre

However, just like every season, the players have the final say on what happens and nothing in life is guaranteed. So far this season, the Brewers are leading the NL Central heading into June. Meanwhile, the Cubs are in second place and have been mostly mediocre. They’ve been hovering around .500 for much of the season.

The bullpen that Counsell had in Milwaukee is not the same one he has in Chicago. The Cubs have blown ten saves this season and their total bullpen ERA is currently 4.40. The only teams with higher earned run averages are the Marlins, Giants, Pirates, and Rockies. I guess Counsell forgot from his time with the Brewers the importance of a bullpen.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s bullpen ERA is 3.56. The only teams who have given up fewer earned runs than the Brewers are the Dodgers, Braves, Padres, and Mets. Despite all-star closer Devin Williams being on the injured list since March, Milwaukee has blown only six saves. They’ve converted 18 saves using a combination of relievers Trevor Megil, Joel Payamps, Abner Uribe, and Hoby Milner.

The Brewers Offense Got Way Better

The Brewers offense was a huge issue for much of Craig Counsell’s tenure. However, this season, Milwaukee’s offense has been one of the best in baseball. Led by William Contreras, Christian Yelich, and Willy Adames; Milwaukee is currently averaging 4.96 runs per game. The only team averaging more runs than the Brewers is the Philadelphia Phillies. Contreras also seems to be putting together an all-star and MVP season as well. The Brewers also ranked inside the top three in other major offensive categories including batting average, home runs, RBI, and OPS.

Issues On Offense Followed Counsell Down I-94

It seems that the offensive problems that plagued Counsell in Milwaukee have followed him down I-94. Despite having Cody Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki, Dansby Swanson, and rising stars Christopher Morel and Michael Busch, Chicago’s offense has been mediocre. It is currently ranked ninth in the National League with 4.22 runs per game. The Cubs also ranked toward the bottom of the league in other major statistics including batting average and OPS. Their 403 hits this season are tied for 13^th in the National League. The only teams with fewer hits are the Washington Nationals and Cincinnati Reds.

The Brewers Might Actually Get The Last Word In The End

Given how the season has gone, the Brewers could get the last laugh on Craig Counsell. Heading into this season, no Brewers or Cubs fan would’ve deemed this possible. Milwaukee is currently in first place while the Cubs are behind them and have been mostly mediocre. After all, the grass isn’t always greener somewhere else, and money never buys happiness.

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