Craig Counsell takes the Cubs

MILWAUKEE, WI (WTAQ) – It was a stunning sweep across social media late this morning when several reporters got confirmation that Craig Counsell is the new manager of the Chicago Cubs.    The Milwaukee native, Whitefish Bay High School graduate, both a player and for nine years, manager of the home team Brewers, blindsided media and fans alike with his decision.   Counsell became Milwaukee’s winningest manager going 707-625 with playoff appearances, division titles and one trip to the National League Championship Series.  When his contract expired after the 2023 season, a Wild Card round exit at home to Arizona, Counsell effectively became a free agent.   There were interviews with his former boss, David Stearns in New York, a trip to Cleveland and whispers about other openings but the Cubs swooped in with a reported five year contract worth in excess of 40 million dollars establishing a new high bar for managers in Major League Baseball.  A report out of Milwaukee said Brewers owner Mark Attanassio offered Counsell 5.5 million a year which still would have eclipsed the top of the managerial pay scale.