Industry Source, It’s Ross’s Job to Lose

It seems that as every day passes, we gain more clarity on who will get the Chicago Cubs managerial job. In reading a post from ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, he reveals that industry sources believe David Ross will be the next Cubs manager.

Simply put — and with absolutely no disrespect to anyone involved — the Cubs aren’t replacing Joe Maddon with Kapler or first-base coach Will Venable. And probably not with bench coach Mark Loretta — or even Joe Girardi or Astros bench coach Joe Espada, who by all accounts has been very impressive in the interview process. Industry sources continue to indicate that this is David Ross’ job to lose.

In reading this, there will be ecstatic fans, and fans that are upset. When we talk about David Ross, there’s always the question of experience. I wouldn’t discount the importance of experience, but if Ross is the right man for the job, he’s the right man for the job.

See, if someone has experience or not, you can’t predict how they’ll do. Every candidate has their strengths and opportunities. When it comes to experience, it’s just a box some get to check while others do not.

We have to understand that experience does not equal success. Would anyone be comfortable with Gabe Kepler? Probably not, but he has experience.

I’m not going to suggest that Ross will be a perennial Manager of the Year candidate. I can’t even say he’ll be a good manager. But he possesses all the tools that make a good manager.

From confronting Jon Lester mid game, which encouraged him to round out a 15 strikeout performance. Telling Anthony Rizzo that he was dogging it, which he immediately turned around. From putting his arm around Willson Contreras during a bad game and learning his thought process, then suggesting new ways to think about things. Also being a mentor to Javier Baez, teaching him to let the game come to him and learn what the game is trying to teach him.

And yes, there’s also the whole dancing thing too…

If the Cubs braintrust believe he’s the guy, ITT probably means he’s the best guy for the job. I believe he’ll be a fine manager, if chosen, hopefully he proves me right.