Once beloved, this former Cubs manager keeps getting snubbed for top jobs

Former Chicago Cubs manager David Ross seemed to set the stage for his comeback towards the end of the regular season, getting the word out there that he was ready to manage again. Ross was an ascending manager during his time with the Cubs, but Craig Counsell's sudden availability led to an abrupt end to his tenure. Looked over for open jobs last year, it seems that Ross is once again an afterthought during this year's hiring cycle.

With a robust nine openings across Major League Baseball, it seemed only natural that Ross would find a new job this offseason. That may not be the case anymore, as hiring has started, but it remains unclear if Ross is a favorite for any of the remaining openings.

There was a belief that Ross could make sense for the Baltimore Orioles, considering their young roster is similar to the young prospects that were ushered in during his time with the Cubs. Instead, the Orioles turned to Craig Albernaz.

Elsewhere, the San Francisco Giants went to the college ranks to fill their vacancy, the Los Angeles Angels hired Kurt Suzuki in an odd situation, and the Texas Rangers quickly hired Skip Schumaker.

Ross is not among the finalists for the Minnesota Twins' job, and it would seem that the San Diego Padres are setting the stage for hiring Albert Pujols. That leaves the open jobs with the Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals, and Colorado Rockies.

The Nationals and Rockies are exactly in a position to contend right away, so it would seem unlikely that they are willing to pay Ross as a veteran manager. Not to mention, Ross, after not making the playoffs during his Cubs' managerial run, likely is eyeing a job where he can contend right away.

David Ross was once Cubs royalty but now can’t land a managerial job

That seemingly leaves the Braves as the only viable option. Ross is believed to be in the mix, but it doesn't appear that Atlanta is close to making a final decision.

As much as it wasn't their intention, the Cubs' willingness to cast Ross to the side in favor of Counsell two years ago may have been more damaging than anyone could have imagined at the time. Fair or not, the Cubs gave the impression that Ross was not a manager who could lead them to the playoffs. Now, that seems to be at the center of his inability to find a landing spot.