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

Chicago Cubs: Bring a former World Series champion manager into the mix

OK, I’ll admit. John Farrell makes a ton of sense to me.

There are strong ties between Ross and Farrell (the latter managed the former during Boston’s 2013 World Series run). Anyone who has ever donned a Red Sox cap seems to be a likely target for the Chicago front office given their organizational understanding of Boston. Plus, there’s a lot more Farrell has going for him than just his time as manager.

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Once Farrell wrapped up his playing career, he coached at his alma matter for the better part of a half-decade. From there, he joined the Cleveland Indians’ front office as director of player development before making the transition to the dugout at the Boston Red Sox pitching coach in 2006.

Of course, we know where it went from there – he managed in Toronto for a few years before coming back to Boston and winning it all in his first season at the helm, en route to Manager of the Year honors in the American League.

Again, this choice comes back to experience: this guy has held about every role imaginable during his post-playing career and that could be valuable to the Cubs and Ross.

Furthermore, he’s been working with the Cincinnati Reds for the last two years in a scouting role, so there may be some more familiarity within the National League Central.