Theo Epstein Promises David Ross Won’t Be A Puppet

The Cubs made a calculated risk when hiring David Ross. It’s one thing to replace Joe Maddon. It’s another thing to replace him with a rookie manager. The Cubs inked Ross to a 3-year deal and will be running the show in Chicago. Will Theo Epstein try to leverage his power with Ross? That doesn’t appear to be the case. Ross is no puppet.

“I will be making my own decisions and continue with feedback from the group,” Ross said in his introductory news conference Monday. “I want to stay true to who I am. These guys responded to me when I was here as a player. I don’t think that will change as a manager.”

“If you’re a front office and you want a puppet, you don’t hire David Ross,” Epstein said. “Anyone that knows Rossy, knows that. He is absolutely his own man.”

I believe this. Ross is a former player and a well respected one too. Ross was part of the 2013 Red Sox championship team and the Cubs 2016 team. He’s that classic veteran catcher that brings leadership to the table. He’s a guy you want in the clubhouse. That 2013 Red Sox team was terrible. The Cubs really haven’t been the same since Ross left. I think he makes a positive impact that is hard to quantify.

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Ross will know a number of the players on the team already. Much of the same group that won in 2016 is still on the roster. Ross hasn’t been out of the game that long. He spent the last couple of years with ESPN working with their baseball team. I have a feeling this relationship should work. Ross feels more than capable even if he never managed before.