The day has come finally as the Chicago Cubs have finalized their decision to appoint David Ross as their new manager for 2020 and beyound. The Twitter world wa Read Update »
Now that the inevitable is complete let's get going on strengthening the Cubs weaknesses. If they could land Mookie Betts and sign Castellanos that would be a good start. Having said that, the pitching staff, starters and relievers alike require some serious attention.
I'm hoping Ross will handle the pitching staff differently than Maddon did last season, like not pulling the starter in the 5th or 6th inning. I've said this before and stand by the it, that if a starter can't throw 100 pitches every 5 days then he shouldn't be a starter. Several areas of improvement are needed like fewer walks, less deep counts, fewer hit batters, better execution with pitch selection, know the weakness of your enemy. Much of these areas start with the pitching coach, who in my opinion, needs to know each pitchers strengths and exploit them.
Next in line is the catcher who really is controlling the game. I'd hate to lose Contreras, he just needs work on pitch framing. With Contreras and Caratini the Cubs may have the best catching duo in the league.
Epstein has a lot to think about in who he retains and who he is willing to part with. He has some tough decisions to make. I just hope whatever happens with the core of the Cubs that the decisions made will not only be for 2020 but for the future. It all comes down to money