Chicago Cubs: Four choices to serve as David Ross’ bench coach

Chicago Cubs: Looking for more experience while turning the page

Former Chicago Cubs manager, despite all his success with the team, was known for running a loose ship – one where players largely controlled how things went on a daily basis. Which, for the most part worked. We’re talking about a run of four-straight postseason appearances, three consecutive NLCS and a World Series title.

But in 2019, the team seemed to play without a sense of urgency, falling flat down the stretch and missing out on the postseason for the first time since 2015. Maddon’s bench coach for all of this? Former big league infielder Mark Loretta.

Loretta, who interviewed for the San Diego managerial vacancy before being passed over, was there for all of this. And if there was a lack of accountability during this stretch (which he himself has admitted) – it stands to reason he’s at least partially responsible for it.

"“I think coaching in this day and age is a lot like parenting. I think kids and millennials need a certain amount of structure. They need a schedule. They are so used to that. Driven around here, travel ball games, showcase events over here, all this stuff. They crave a schedule. There may be some initial pushback, but they like to have it. If you give them too much free time, that can go haywire."

For this reason alone, I have trouble believing Loretta will remain as the team’s bench coach. You have a team with an accountability problem and a carry-over from last year’s coaching staff. Not just a carry-over, but the number two in that club’s dugout. Change is necessary and Loretta seems likely to be a part of said change.