Chicago Cubs: Five areas David Ross will improve in 2020

aaDexter Fowler, Anthony Rizzo, Jon Lester, David Ross – Chicago Cubs (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Chicago Cubs: With any luck, Ross will find a way to get the Cubs another parade

While Ross will have his hands full attempting to subtly change a culture that wasn’t toxic or bad in the first place, but rather just needed some well-meaning tweaks and prompting, he shouldn’t have a hard time motivating those under his care. Anyone who was around with Ross knows what to expect and motivating guys to get better when they respect you is a much easier task. Ross has that respect and admiration from his charges, and his goal will be motivating guys he was once friends with in a similar or slightly different way now that he has a different title.

For some players, the motivation might come in the form of more set lineups, which it sounds like Ross is in favor of providing. This would seem to be an especially positive change for guys like Kyle Schwarber, Ian Happ, and maybe even Nico Hoerner at some point this season. It’s something that has been discussed ad nauseum in regards to development and production from the younger guys, and a strategy that purists and Cub fans have been clammoring for on the regular.

Another way Ross plans on motivating players is to make live BP more intense, more regular, and more game-like, ultimately wanting guys to be together more and do things together. Maybe this will make them hang out a bit more and be a bit more cohesive both inside the clubhouse and outside of it. This is something we heard last year when it came out that the Cubs weren’t hanging out together on the road, perhaps one of the reasons their road record was so terrible in comparison to what they were able to accomplish in the Friendly Confines.

Regardless of the differences, Ross is going to be a great fit for the Cubs in 2020 just as Maddon was a great fit in 2015. If all goes well and we’re to follow that same trajectory towards success, that means you can expect a parade in 2021. I think we’d all take that- if we can get through this season without storming the front offices with pitchforks, that is.