After several weeks of speculation and a series of interviews, the Chicago Cubs settled on David Ross as their next manager.
What went into that decision? That’s something we’ll find out in the coming days and weeks, but multiple early reports indicate that a mock 2020 training camp speech, which the Cubs requested from their interviewees, helped put Ross over the top.
Per source – one of the things that put Ross over the top for the job with the Cubs, was his strong delivery of a mock 2020 Spring Training team speech. The club asked Ross and Joe Espada to compose and deliver mock speeches for the staff during their second interviews.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) October 23, 2019
As I said on the radio several times, Espada was brought in Sunday and did a mock press conference as well as a fake "talk" with the team. Ross did the same on Monday. Obviously a strength for Ross. Not sure if it clinched the job for him but it didn't hurt.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) October 23, 2019
Hiring someone over their improvisational theater is certainly a unique new-age approach, but it does have some merit. Emotions are key in sports, whether you’re managing them or using them to motivate, so if Ross was able to impress to that degree with nothing on the line and no players in front of him, it’s a safe bet he can dial that up to 100 in a real scenario.
Plus, it’s not like this is entirely new territory for the Cubs. During their managerial search in November 2011, they had Dale Sveum conduct a live press conference, complete with questions from the media.
