The Chicago Cubs just parted ways with manager Joe Maddon, ending a largely successful five-year run that included the Cubs' first World Series championship since 1908.
But now, Chicago must move on to find its next skipper, and president Theo Epstein says former Cubs catcher David Ross is a candidate to replace Maddon, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com:
“David Ross has a lot of great things going for him,” Epstein said. “His connection to the players on this team, and especially his connection to the 2016 team, are not necessarily assets that distinguish him or are important to us. … Ross is an attractive candidate, and he's going to be evaluated on the merits.”
Ross was a member of the 2016 Cubs team that won the World Series, slashing .229/.338/.446 with 10 home runs and 32 RBI over 205 plate appearances. But what Ross lacked in terms of talent he made up for with great leadership ability, which is obviously a big reason why Chicago seems to be considering him for its open managerial job.
Of course, nothing is a sure thing yet, as Epstein said that Ross is on a “broad list” of candidates and that the team is also interested in members of a playoff team's staff and that the team will also search internally.
Ross is currently an ESPN analyst and does not have any coaching experience.
The Cubs won just 84 games and missed the playoffs this season, marking the first time Chicago failed to qualify for the postseason during Maddon's tenure at the helm.
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