The Chicago Cubs announced on Sunday that Joe Maddon will not return as their manager, and they may have a replacement in mind.
Former Cubs catcher David Ross, who serves as a front office special assistant for the team, is viewed as a favorite to succeed Maddon.
Ross also serves as a commentator for ESPN and said on “Baseball Tonight” Sunday just how desirable the job is to him.
David Ross, tonight, on Baseball Tonight: "I think it's one of the best jobs in baseball. I've got a lot of close ties with those guys. I think the interest would be there. I think my heart is drawn to that dugout a little bit."
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) September 29, 2019
Ross played for Maddon’s Cubs in 2015 and 2016 and was part of their World Series team. Ross bid farewell to Maddon with a Twitter tribute:
It was a honor having the opportunity to play for Joe Maddon and winning a Championship with him during one of the greatest runs in the history of the Chicago Cubs. I learned a tremendous amount from him and wish him continued success in this game. pic.twitter.com/xr0OLFSTiZ
— David Ross (@D_Ross3) September 29, 2019
The Cubs manager job is a good one. As we saw with what happened with Maddon, there is a lot of pressure to win, but the team has financial resources and an excellent fan base, as well as plenty of talent.
Adding to Ross’ candidacy is the fact that he already has a strong relationship with some of the team’s top players, as Anthony Rizzo has said:
Rizzo on David Ross possibly replacing Joe. pic.twitter.com/HO09sNyRx7
— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) September 29, 2019
