Steve Stone Suggested a Strange Concept, Could the Cubs be the First to Deploy it?
While the Chicago Cubs have been irrelevant with regard to baseball for a month now. But, they’ve been very relevant in regard to off-the-field news. This is based on their managerial search, potential trading of big-time stars, and TV deal news.
News of the potential new manager has filled around 85% of the Cubs airtime, and that’s because it’s the biggest news. Adding to that news, former Chicago Cubs, and current Chicago White Sox analyst, Steve Stone offered a very interesting idea. (Oh, and if you’re not following Stony on Twitter, you’re missing out.)
Managers in 2020 are dealing with more than ever. Front office stats guys. Media pressure like never before. A different generation of players. Team psychologists. Biokinetics. A creative team will have 1 manager for the locker room morale and one for game strategy. It’s coming
— Steve Stone (@stevestone) October 14, 2019
I’ve seen many Cubs fans suggest the Cubs should hire Joe Girardi or Joe Espada as the manager and David Ross as the bench coach. That, simply put, would never happen. In feedback from my articles covering the next manager, about a third wants Girardi, a third wants Espada, and the final third wants Ross.
These guys (candidates) all know it too. They aren’t idiots. No manager wants to hire a man who has 33% of the fanbase’s support FOR manager as their bench guy. They’d be asking for fans to root for their firing after every single loss.
They would essentially be hiring a potential replacement. How easy would it be for the Cubs to fire Girardi if Ross – who most say is the favorite for the job anyways – is already sitting in the dugout?
But, and to Stone’s point, what if there’s a situation where Espada AND Ross are hired as equals? One is there for in-game decisions during situational moments, the other is there for pregame planning, clubhouse, and communicating with the front office?
Some managers are great from the end of the game until the start of the next game. Some are never out managed during the playing of the game. Why not maximize the strengths of 2 men and benefit the team. Baseball can be overwhelming. A creative team will try it soon. You’ll see
— Steve Stone (@stevestone) October 14, 2019
This is the best of both worlds. You get that experienced baseball guy to provide in-game management. You get the clubhouse guy that isn’t afraid to hold guys accountable.
I don’t know if the Cubs are brave enough, or forward-thinking enough to try it. But it is an intriguing idea nonetheless.
