Brewers manager shocks fans with confession about nearly joining Cubs

670 The Score, the radio home of the Chicago Cubs, decided to have Milwaukee Brewers' manager Pat Murphy on for an interview ahead of the Cubs and Brewers playing a doubleheader on Tuesday. The idea does seem a little odd, considering Murphy and the Brewers have drawn the ire of Cubs fans over the last two years, and you know, The Score is the home of the Cubs, but to Murphy's credit, he was candid with his responses.

Among the questions that were asked was the idea of Murphy joining Counsell's coaching staff once his hiring with the Cubs was made official.

"Heck yeah. Counsell and I talked about it ... I obviously got involved in that and had no idea if the Brewers would be interested (in me)."

Brewers skipper nearly jumped ship for Cubs in stunning admission

As Murphy indicated, the Cubs acted quickly in their hiring of Counsell. Once the surprise of the Cubs hiring Counsell wore off, the biggest question was his coaching staff. Murphy was a logical candidate to join Counsell in Chicago, but with the sudden departure in Milwaukee, he instantly became a candidate for the vacancy. Not only was Murphy hired by the Brewers, but he was the National League Manager of the Year last season, and appears to be on his way to being a repeat winner this season.

With the success the Brewers have had in Counsell's absence, a natural question that has surfaced is how important Murphy was as his right-hand man? Counsell remains one of the better managers in Major League Baseball, but as time goes on, it seems that he was just a cog in the Brewers' machine. That machine likely wouldn't have stopped working if Murphy joined Counsell with the Cubs, but one must wonder about the potential impact in Chicago.

Look no further than how Murphy talked about Kyle Tucker's slump as a reason why he may be the balance that is missing with the Cubs' current coaching staff.

"I think Tucker is hurt. I don't have any information, but Tucker's not the same. He's hurt, and he's playing through it. He's such a class kid that he probably doesn't mention it to anyone."

Of course, being away from the situation is likely why Murphy was willing to be so direct. Having said that, his direct approach in managing the Brewers has been a hidden factor in their success. Success that the Cubs are once again chasing.

More Cubs News from Cubbies Crib