Craig Counsell defies insanity, endorses Hector Neris as the Cubs' closer

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results. That is the only way to explain Craig Counsell's decision to turn to Hector Neris in the ninth inning of Monday's game against the San Francisco Giants.

In a rare occurrence, the Chicago Cubs had timely home runs from Ian Happ and Michael Busch. The home runs set the stage for the Cubs to get back in the winning column. Neris took the mound for the save opportunity with the Cubs up 6-4. The result was what many Cubs' fans have grown to expect this season as Neris allowed a three-run, aided by a catcher's interference on Miguel Amaya, that carried the Giants' to a 7-6 victory.

Neris' blown save on Monday was the 16th blown save for the Cubs on the season, the second-highest mark in all of Major League Baseball. Despite that fact and Neris' continued struggles, Counsell endorsed the veteran as the team's closer after the game.

Craig Counsell's backing of Hector Neris goes against the reason why he is here.

Paying $40MM to a manager can not hide the fact that Jed Hoyer has once again failed in his construction of the team's bullpen. But here is the thing: Counsell may not have the legitimate closer to turn to, but that shouldn't be the reason he continues to turn to Neris for the final three outs of a game.

If not an offense that struggles to string together consistent power, it will be the team's bullpen that is the primary reason why this will go down as one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory. Counsell should not give Neris the benefit of the doubt. Sure, Counsell may not have another proven option to turn to, but his "proven" option in Neris has been a failure.