Ian Happ sounds off on Chicago Cubs managerial change

We now have the first comments from a Chicago Cubs player regarding the managerial change that occurred this past week as left fielder Ian Happ met with the media to discuss a variety of topics. After praising former manager David Ross for the chance he gave him to come into his own, acknowledging the deep respect he has for his previous skipper, Happ went on to speak on new Manager Craig Counsell:

"Seeing Counsell from across the field quite a bit over the last seven years, I've always been impressed with the way he manages and the way he controls the bullpen. I'm excited to get going with him and pick his brain about everything baseball." "

Ian Happ via ABC 7 Chicago

The Cubs have gotten to know Counsell from across the diamond, and have witnessed firsthand his expert approach to managing ballgames. Now, the team has the luxury of calling Counsell their own and will look forward to getting to work with him next spring. Counsell’s success as a manager has led him to become one of the very best in baseball. Jed Hoyer himself has expressed Counsell being at the “top of the game.”

Since 2018, Counsell owns a managerial record of 487-384, leading the Milwaukee Brewers to five straight postseasons in that time. They consistently have found themselves at or near the top of the NL Central in that time. Finishing as a finalist for Manager of the Year three times, Counsell looks to win for the first time when the award is announced next week on November 14th.

Bringing in Counsell to manage signifies a readiness to compete, so it’s no surprise players such as Happ are excited to get to work with the new skipper. The team will look to further overhaul its roster with star-studded talent this winter. Hopefully, Counsell’s streak of postseasons continue, but next year it will be while donning Cubbie Blue.

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