Currently, several teams are looking for a manager. We can think of the Mets, the Angels, the Guardians, the Padres and the Astros.
But in my opinion, it will be necessary to add, this week, the name of the Brewers.
After all, next month, Craig Counsell will become a free agent. And as the Brewers gave the Mets and the Guardians the OK to interview him, we understand that his future is nebulous.
Many people don’t seem to rule out a return to Milwaukee, but if he really wants to stay, it would be felt and the Brewers would refuse requests from other teams. No?
Brief. All this to say that unless we see him take a break, I would bet on a new start for Counsell, who has the reputation of being one of the good managers in baseball.
Right now, it’s hard to see him going to Anaheim, where the position isn’t attractive. It’s hard to see him going to San Diego, where the position would have to be filled internally.
The Astros? I really wouldn’t be surprised to see him in Houston… but my gut tells me that Joe Espada will (finally) get his chance. He is the bench coach of the Astros.
That leaves us with the Mets and Guardians. If I had an old $2 to bet, I would say that the Mets are going to get him, they who already had the OK to interview him.
It helps the Mets’ cause that David Stearns is the boss in New York. He worked with Counsell in Milwaukee for years.
But let’s not forget that the Guardians, who also had the OK to interview Counsell, are in the picture. Right now, the manager is in Cleveland talking to the Guardians.
I have the impression that if Counsell has to go elsewhere, it will be for New York or Houston, big markets with a budget.
Because honestly, as long as you’re starting from Milwaukee, why go to Cleveland? These are two clubs which are good, but which make do with the means at hand.
But for Cleveland, it’s a different story.
The Guardians must replace Terry Francona, who is a bit like the Craig Counsell of his era. The departure of Tito, who can no longer manage, hurts his family.
Even if everyone agrees that the chances of seeing Counsell in Cleveland are slim (is he using the Guardians to raise the stakes?), the club would do well to give him a golden bridge.
So, that would heat up the Twins a bit in the division…
Note that Terry Francona was one of the highest paid managers in baseball. So it wouldn’t be a big change for the Guardians, which would send a good message across MLB.
Note also that the Mets should obviously make him a big offer, if there is an offer.
