It was a bit of a surprise when former Milwaukee Brewers manager and Milwauke-native Craig Counsell decided to sign a record $40 million withe Chicago Cubs this offseason.
It was one of the biggest splashes in “free agency” and it was because Counsell has now set the gold standard for what managers will be in the future. Especially elite and in demand managers.
According to the New York Post, Counsell had some funny things to say when asked if he was going to commute between Chicago and his Milwaukee residence every night.
“I’m allowed to,” Counsell said. “They let me do it. They still let me cross the border.”
It’s notable because Counsell graduated from Whitefish Bay High School in the Milwaukee area while his father worked for the Brewers.
There are plenty of ties to that community for the Cubs manager and his team.
Naturally, Chicago and Milwaukee are bitter rivals, both vying for the top spot in the National League Central.
Of course, Counsell always had a deep respect for the rich and storied tradition of the Cubs and Wrigley field. $8 million a year isn’t so bad either.
Especially considering the upwards trajectory of a very young but talented roster that has been coupled with one of the top farm systems in the league.
In the same article, Counsell mentioned there are no hard feelings between him and the New York Mets, the other serious suitor for his services.
