The Chicago Cubs faced the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday amid a four-game losing streak that put their wild-card aspirations in jeopardy. Cubs fans, who once viewed a wild-card spot as secure, were growing anxious, witnessing a team that seemed destined for playoff contention falter.
Manager Craig Counsell displayed unexpected cheerfulness on Friday morning, contrasting his earlier somber mood after a loss in Milwaukee. “This is the good time of the year,” he remarked to reporters. He explained the heightened emotions of late-season games, adding, “We feel better when we win and hurt more when we lose. That’s why this job is great.”
The Cubs ended their losing streak with a decisive 12-2 win over the Pirates, much to the fans’ delight. Managing the Cubs comes with challenges, Counsell noted, especially when performance swings between winning and losing streaks. He emphasized this season’s extreme fluctuations in fan reactions compared to previous seasons.
Former Cubs managers have also noted the unique pressures of managing in Chicago. Legendary manager Lou Piniella once described Chicago as a city of extremes, saying, “You’re really up or you’re really down.” This sentiment was echoed by former team president Jed Hoyer, who deemed the Cubs managing position the most challenging in baseball.
Cubs starter Shota Imanaga demonstrated resilience despite previous fan criticism. He excelled in recent starts, boosting the possibility of him being a playoff starter. The Cubs aim for consistency in their bullpen, a key concern as they approach postseason contention. The potential promotion of Edward Cabrera, despite his mixed performance at Triple-A Iowa, could provide much-needed relief.
Shortstop Dansby Swanson, recovering from an oblique injury, will soon join the team. His presence is expected to strengthen the defense, despite Nico Hoerner’s commendable performance in Swanson’s absence. Swanson expressed no immediate desire to pursue managing, focusing instead on family.
The Cubs have 14 games remaining to secure a postseason spot and alleviate fans’ concerns. Counsell acknowledged the demanding nature of managing in Chicago. However, he also recognized the opportunity for success, if the team peaks in October.
As the Cubs continue their journey, managing fan expectations remains a constant challenge. Counsell remarked on the significance of dealing with panicky fans in a pennant race, suggesting it’s part of what makes the job worthwhile.