Chicago Cubs: My top five candidates to replace Joe Maddon

Chicago Cubs: Will the Cubs go young and popular?

4.   David Ross / Mark DeRosa – You get two candidates for the price of one on this deal because both of these candidates are so outside the box, its not even funny, but I have to mention them because there are rumors the Cubs could go young.

These picks are strictly timing and popularity if you ask me because there is momentum gathering and pressure from fans and the press, especially where David Ross is concerned. It’s the timing of his rise in popularity and Maddon’s fall from grace that is making him look so attractive.

I also think this is new Cubs fans that don’t know anything more than the 2016 Chicago Cubs and Ross’ role in that victory that are pushing this scenario.

Ross is of course the former retired catcher of the Chicago Cubs who played his last season as a Cub during the championship. He was known for keeping his cool and guiding his teammates in tense situations, which is something Cubs management has expressed a greater need for.

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Derosa played with Cubs in 2007 and 2008 and then five other teams before retiring and becoming an analyst on MLB Central. While the attention of fans and the media is on Ross, Derosa’s lack of coaching background makes the 44 year old broadcaster just as risky a pick as the Cub-famous catcher. If the Cubs want to go young then it could be either of these guys heading to Wrigley next.

To hype the situation even more, the Cubs front office has refused to discuss whether they are considering Ross as the new manager of the Cubs in the ultimate hype-party. I mean, why not just say there’s no chance David Ross will be our manager? Unless your considering it or hyping it.

While Ross was an experienced player, he comes to the manager position with no coaching background or former managerial experience. Like Derosa, Ross has been playing analyst too but for ESPN since 2017.

I think these are bad choices because of the lack of experience, but I’m rating them higher in the possible likelihood to get the job over Martinez, because both are very popular among fans and we know the fans buy tickets and subscriptions.