Chicago Cubs: Why David Ross makes sense as the next manager

Despite Theo Epstein’s desire to move on from the 2016 team, former Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross checks a lot of boxes the team is looking for.

For the better part of a year, we knew the Chicago Cubs were perfectly content with Joe Maddon managing as a lame duck. Knowing as much, it also seemed like a foregone conclusion the team would reach out to David Ross if and when Maddon’s time in the Windy City came to an end.

So when Theo Epstein stood alongside Maddon prior to Sunday’s season-ending loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, Ross’ name was one of the first to take over articles, columns and sports talk shows when people began speculating on the future of the Cubs – and their former backstop.

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Ross, of course, played an integral role in the team’s 2016 championship run. I’m not talking about his Game 7 home run off Andrew Miller, either. He became the voice in the clubhouse, a guy who’d walked the walk and talked the talk – a winner, plain and simple

“David Ross has a lot of great things going for him,” Epstein told The Athletic (subscription required). “I would say his connection to the players on this team — and especially his connection to the 2016 team — are not necessarily assets that distinguish him. Those are not necessarily things that are going to be important to us.”

If you want a real glimpse into Ross’ thinking as a player and a leader, read his book, Teammate: My Journey in Baseball and a World Series for the Ages. I cannot stress this enough. You not only see him as a member of the Cubs, but as he transformed from a guy who was known for having a bad attitude to one of the most beloved players in the game, especially in Chicago.

He’s learned a lot of tough lessons in his years in baseball – lessons I think could translate well to a new role – say, the next manager of the Chicago Cubs? Even in the final year of his career, Ross garnered a reputation as someone who teammates loved, but also respected because of his unyielding willingness to call teammates out when necessary.

“But we’re looking forward. We’re not looking backwards. In some ways, there’s been almost too much emphasis on 2016 and looking back, so his connection to that team — or even some of our existing players — will not be a significant part of the evaluation.”

So when Epstein says that Ross’ connection to the 2016 team isn’t a deciding factor – it makes sense. Honestly, that tie seems to mean more to the fanbase and media than the organization itself.

If David Ross becomes the next manager, it’s because of one reason and one reason only: the front office believes he’s the guy to bring accountability and a sense of urgency back to the clubhouse and the dugout in 2020 and beyond.