A former coach for the Chicago Cubs gets his first managerial job with rivals…….

Last summer, the Chicago Cubs made a startling announcement: they fired manager David Ross and hired Craig Counsell. It was unexpected not just because the ownership group and front management had recently backed Ross wholeheartedly before letting him go, but also because the Cubs made Counsell the highest-paid captain in Major League Baseball history, luring him away from the Milwaukee Brewers, their division opponent. Although it didn’t happen this past season, Chicago is certain they have the proper guy leading them for years to come. It was hoped that this would bring out the best in this underperforming bunch that has missed the playoffs every year since 2020. Having the correct manager in place is crucial during the lengthy Major League Baseball season, even if the players on the field and the front office who assembles a team ultimately decide the outcome of a baseball game. The Chicago White Sox, who had moved on from Pedro Grifol, were searching for just that. Additionally, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that they are appointing Will Venable, an associate manager for the Texas Rangers, to take over and guide that team going forward.