Chicago Cubs: David Ross has his work cut out for him as new manager
The Chicago Cubs are expected to name David Ross their new manager, but he will have his work cut out for him.
According to a report from ESPN’s David Kaplan, the Chicago Cubs will hire David Ross to replace Joe Maddon as manager. In fact, they have already notified the other candidates and are in the process of working through the contractual details.
In recent days, it seemed to be a two-horse race between Ross and Houston Astros bench coach Joe Espada. Many thought Espada could be the guy, coming from an organization that, at least as it relates to talent evaluation, seems to be doing everything the right way.
So as Ross gets ready to step into the pressure cooker, he is no doubt thrilled to get to work. However, he will likely have his work cut out for him and here’s why.
Ross is going to have to manage his buddies. Only three years removed from playing alongside this same group of players, he will now be expected to lead them as manager. That can be a challenge. Anyone who has ever been promoted and put in a position to manage those who were just your peers can attest.
What will happen the first time Ross is forced to take a position contrary to one he took as a player? As a player, it’s easy to speak freely. As a manager, he’ll have to be more diplomatic, sometimes supporting an “organizational position” that maybe ran contrary to what he would have done as a player. If that happens, will that cause any consternation?
Will Ross have a “do as I say, not as I did” scenario? We’ve heard stories of how he’s been heavy-handed as a player. However, as a veteran, it’s easier to take that stance with your peers. As a new manager, coming into the role with no prior managerial experience, will he feel comfortable doing the same to the guys with whom he just recently celebrated a championship?
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In his press conference following Maddon’s departure, Theo Epstein stressed the importance of not placing too much emphasis on the connection to the 2016 squad. He made it clear that change was on the horizon and he did not want the team to be focused on the glory of the past. How will Ross, a part of that past glory, effectively make that transition? We’ll soon find out.