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Cubs' Dramatic September Collapse: The Turning Point and Craig Counsell's Arrival - What Lies Ahead?
Guest Writer Series: @V_Mistry27
Vivek Mistry
November 18, 2023
Welcome back to 'The Daily Tater', your go-to for email that tells you what matters most in baseball with brevity, humor, and a home run delivered daily. As part of our guest writer series, we're bringing in outside perspectives to spice up our coverage. Today, we're diving into a story that's been the talk of the town: the Cubs' dramatic September collapse and the seismic changes it's sparked. With the hiring of Craig Counsell and some potential big moves on the horizon, we're examining what this all means for our beloved North Siders. So, grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, 'cause this one's a doozy!
The Collapse and the What-Ifs
A brutal September collapse has led to some major changes on the North Side. The 2023 Chicago Cubs missed the playoffs by just one game. The team faced missed opportunities in key games against the Marlins earlier in the season, and in September against the Diamondbacks, which could have propelled them into the playoffs. As a fan, the question lingers: "What if?" Could Jed have acquired a bullpen arm or two at the trade deadline? Would that have been enough to make a deep postseason run? Let's dive into the off-season and see what's cooking!
A New Skipper: Craig Counsell Joins the Cubs
On November 6, 2023, the Cubs announced a significant change: the hiring of ex-Brewers manager Craig Counsell, replacing David Ross. This move signals the Cubs' readiness to compete again. Counsell, known for his strategic game approach and strong leadership skills, could bring a refreshing perspective to the North Side. His record in one-run games and ability to win on the margins point towards potential success. This change also adds fuel to the I-94 rivalry between the Cubs and Brewers.
Offseason Strategies: Free Agents and Farm System
The Cubs are expected to be dynamic players in the free-agent market and on the trade front. Connected to big names like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and aiming to bring back Cody Bellinger, the Cubs are not shying away from making big moves. Since 2021, the front office has diligently rebuilt the farm system, now ranked fourth overall by MLB Pipeline. With this depth, the Cubs are in a solid position to trade for star power, with Pete Alonso and Juan Soto rumored to be on their radar.
Looking Ahead: A Hopeful Future
The hiring of Counsell and a clear willingness to be aggressive this offseason bring hope to the North Side. The Cubs are gearing up not just to reclaim the division, but to emerge as World Series contenders. As we look forward to the Winter Meeting from December 4-7, fans should brace for an exciting offseason. Rumors, potential player sightings, and big moves could be on the horizon, setting the stage for what might be a transformative year for the Chicago Cubs.
That's all for this edition of 'The Daily Tater,' where our guest writer just knocked it out of the park with insights on the Cubs' off-season shakeup. As Counsell steps up to the plate and the Cubs eye some major league talent, we're all on the edge of our seats for what's next. Don't miss a single play in this high-stakes game – make sure you're subscribed to 'The Daily Tater' for more brilliant takes from our guest writer series and all the latest Cubs news. Hit that subscribe button and join the Tater family for daily updates, so you're always in the know. Here's to a thrilling off-season, and let's hope it leads to a championship season at Wrigley. Go Cubs go!
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