Cubs hire Craig Counsell: Brewers players ‘shocked’ after longtime manager leaves to join division rival

Craig Counsell is leaving the Milwaukee Brewers to change into the manager of the division rival Chicago Cubs. Understandably so, the players of his now former crew are nonetheless processing all of it.

Counsell held many alternative roles throughout the group, so it was once relatively surprising to see him move. The 53-year-old performed a complete of six years for the Brewers, then took a role within the entrance place of work after placing up his cleats. Counsell additionally did some colour commentating for one season. In 2015 Counsell become the Brewers’ manager, and he these days holds the franchise document for many managerial wins with 707. 

But baseball is a trade, and the Cubs are reportedly giving Counsell a five-year contract value greater than $40 million. As is frequently completed, Counsell referred to as the Brewers players ahead of the Cubs announcement so they may listen the news from him — despite the fact that many may have already observed the news on social media. 

Brewers pitcher Corbin Burnes, a three-time All-Star, gave the impression to have some combined emotions about the entire scenario. 

“I think my reaction is the same as everyone in the organization and the fan base,” Burnes advised MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy. “We’re just shocked initially.” 

Although Burnes mentioned Counsell raised the bar, he is aware of issues aren’t going to be relatively the similar.

“But on the personal side, it’s going to be strange,” Burnes added.

Counsell’s transfer left William Contreras speechless, so the 25-year-old catcher shared a couple of face palm emojis to categorical his emotions.

Pitcher Brandon Woodruff, who joined the crew in 2017, mentioned he’s “still processing” the transfer as a result of he was once no longer anticipating the Cubs to change into Counsell’s vacation spot. His first response was once easy but simple to perceive: “Lord have mercy.”

However, Woodruff made it transparent there aren’t any laborious emotions. 

“I’m still processing it, too. I was not expecting the Cubs,” Woodruff added. “But then when you dig down a little bit deeper, you kind of get it.”