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When the Chicago Cubs hired Craig Counsell away from the Milwaukee Brewers, the thought process was that the Cubs would become what the Brewers have proved to be--the kingmakers in the National League Central. Instead, the only thing that has been proven is that the Brewers' success didn't center around Counsell.
Entering play on Friday, the Brewers have an 8-game lead over the Cubs in the National League Central. Any hope of the Cubs overtaking the Brewers in the division feels all but lost. Of course, the Cubs are very much alive in the National League wild-card race, and that could be what influenced Counsell's tune while speaking with reporters before the Cubs' game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday afternoon.
“This is a results business, we understand that. I think for us to focus on results is harmful, and so you focus on things that contribute to us being good.”
“This is a results business, we understand that. I think for us to focus on results is harmful, and so you focus on things that contribute to us being good.”
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 15, 2025
Craig Counsell on the Cubs’ recent stretch. pic.twitter.com/vhnrDtDW9L
Craig Counsell is still searching for answers as Cubs season unravels
It's a results business, but it's harmful for the Cubs to focus on the results, got it. On one hand, it's easy to understand what Counsell is saying. Yes, at the end of the day, the Cubs' season will come down to the results, but the focus needs to be on the game ahead of them instead of the game behind them
It certainly is not what Cubs fans want to hear right now, but there is some truth to it. The Cubs can't linger in the slump they've been in, as that will only do more damage than what has already been done. It's not exactly the passionate rallying cry that Cubs fans have been begging Counsell to have, but his hands are essentially tied in this situation.
The MLB trade deadline is in the rearview mirror, and the only way the Cubs will get better is if their stars perform to their capabilities. Counsell can't swing the bat for them. Nonetheless, with the price tag that came with his arrival, Counsell will certainly be under even more scrutiny if the Cubs' season comes to a stumbling end.