Craig Counsell ready for new challenge leading Cubs

MESA, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- With a move from Milwaukee behind him, Craig Counsell is anxious to put his stamp on the Cubs in his first season as the team’s manager.

During his career in Milwaukee, winning was anticipated but not always expected. That dynamic will shift in Chicago, where Counsell will be expected to lead his club to deep playoff appearances each season.

Counsell had the unique experience of playing for both Jim Leyland In Miami and Bob Brenly in Arizona on championship clubs. In 1997, Leyland's team won the World Series in his first season as manager of the Marlins. Brenly did the same thing with the Diamondbacks in 2001.

Does Counsell think he can find the same lighting in a bottle that his former managers did in their first seasons managing new clubs?

"That is certainly the goal and why I am here," Counsell said Wednesday morning in Mesa after the Cubs’ pitchers and catchers reported for camp. “There is a lot to do in that area between now and that point. At this point, it's all about connecting and getting to know one another. Understanding new routines and really just interacting. The most important thing is that we get to know one another and the players hear me talk. We are about getting to our processes and routines. That is what will form the Cubs."

Counsell, 54, was hired by the Cubs early last November in a stunning move that left David Ross fired after four seasons as manager. Counsell became available to the Cubs after his contract with the Brewers had expired.

The change from being the Brewers’ manager to leading the archrival Cubs might be easier than people think. While Counsell is working to understand his new team, many Cubs are familiar with his style.

During spring training, Counsell and the Cubs will adapt to each other.

"They have seen me and I have seen them a lot over time,” Counsell said. "I was talking to Justin Steele today about not being able to score on him. I like that he has facial hair back. He went clean-cut for his wedding. I didn't like that. So, there is some familiarity from competing against each other for sure. That part feels good, it really does, Really, there already is a connection there because of that. I like that and it's a place where we can start a conversation.”

Counsell was 707-625 during his time as Brewers manager, leading Milwaukee to the playoffs in five of the last six seasons.

The Brewers won the NL Central crown three times under the watch of Counsell, including last season as part of a 92-win campaign. Counsell and Milwaukee strengthened their grasp on the division at a time in which the Cubs hoped to be on top.

Counsell’s reputation won the Cubs over when they hired him. Now, they can truly settle in with their new manager.

“It's really cool getting to know him after competing against his team," Cubs starter Justin Steele said. "When we played the Brewers, you could tell he was really good at what he does. The games we always had with him were very competitive. It's good to have him on our side after having gained respect for him across the way. Now I can pick his brain and find out some of those thought processes."

Counsell’s coaching staff features a mesh of new hires – such as bench coach Ryan Flaherty – but also plenty of figures from Ross’ tenure like pitching coach Tommy Hottovy. This is a team that has continuity, even with a new manager leading the way.

At the start of this spring training, Counsell is ready to make his mark with the Cubs.

"I have really been impressed with his attention to detail," Hottovy said. “He is on top of a lot of things. He can jump between conversations, you can be having a pitching conversation and right next to you, he has a hitting conversation going on. He is on top of a lot of things, and I think it speaks volumes about the teams he has had that seem to do a lot of little things right. When you have a manager like that, I think it will be very valuable to learn and grow and I am excited to learn and grow in my role as a coach.

“They did a lot of things really well in Milwaukee. They also did it with young talented players who would come up and contribute. He is big on player development. He watched guys continue to mature and grow at the major league level."