Who Could Chicago Cubs Replace Ross With If Fired?
The Chicago Cubs are 21-26 and have only won three of their last 10 games. This comes on the heels of a hot start in which the club looked like a true contender for a postseason spot.
But break downs in the rotation, poor bullpen performance and a dormant offense put the brakes on those expectations. Sometimes only one of those factors appeared in a night. Sometimes all three.
But one factor that has affected the Cubs not just this season, but also last, was the in-game decisions of manager David Ross.
We have talked about it here at Inside the Cubs before, we also just recently explored whether or not Ross' job was safe.
The conclusion?
It is. For now. . .
But things change in this industry and a quick look at the 2022 Philadelphia Phillies, who fired Joe Girardi after a 21-29 start last season, is all the evidence you need to show a shakeup at manager can work.
Here are three names the Cubs could look to in order to take the reins if Ross is indeed let go.
Andy Green
Green is the most obvious choice. Using the same Phillies example above, Rob Thompson, who was Philadelphia's bench coach, was promoted on an interim basis and the rest is history.
Green also has four seasons of MLB managerial experience, holding a 274-366 record with the San Diego Padres. Mind you, this was a very bad Padres team before all the money and star power was injected.
It would be the "easiest" option for Chicago to turn towards Green and perhaps the most seamless.
Joe Girardi
Mentioned above as the guy who was fired last season from the Phillies, Girardi is sitting around appearing on television while waiting for his next gig.
Girardi is a legendary manager who for 10 years led the New York Yankees. In that decade span, Girardi compiled an impressive 910-710 record. He's an old school type manager who can be polarizing.
But his pedigree speaks for itself.
Perhaps some time off has allowed for him to adapt to the new game. One thing is certain: he knows how to win ballgames and lead a club. He is a World Series champion.
Chris Woodward
Former Texas Rangers manager Chris Woodward could be an option if the Cubs wanted to go a "culture" route. Woodward posted a 211-287 record with the Rangers over four seasons, but the team was rebuilding.
In fact, he was fired last season after his team lost a franchise-record number of one-run games. Seemingly the scapegoat for the rebuilding team's performance, he was let go by then-General Manager Jon Daniels, who was then promptly let go following Woodward's sacking.
Woodward is know for how to connects to his players. The culture he fosters. And the positivity he brings to the clubhouse and the game every single day.
Considering how young this Chicago team is, perhaps a manager that connects with its players is an option.
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