2026 MLB Thread

[MU82]

Thank you for pointing out the obvious 

I expect 1/3 season quirks. I'm not sure I've ever seen a division having more teams above .500 than an entire league this deep into the season before.

I'm just saying, don't read too much into what the standings say on May 27. Or do, if that floats your boat.

Things can get flipped pretty fast this time of year. Less than 3 weeks ago, the Cubs had the best record in baseball and a 5 1/2 game lead over the Brewers.

[Jockey]

Seeing as how Counsel has been unable to move the needle at all in Chicago (and will almost certainly be fired if the last place Cubbies miss the Playoffs), is there a discussion to be had over his success in Milwaukee and whether Murph had as much or more influence on it?

Clearly there is a hierarchy of managers in MLB. Mitch, Cash, and Vogt are clearly on top.

[TallTitan34]

Seeing as how Counsel has been unable to move the needle at all in Chicago

Wrong.

(and will almost certainly be fired if the last place Cubbies miss the Playoffs)

Wrong.

is there a discussion to be had over his success in Milwaukee and whether Murph had as much or more influence on it?

Yes.

[Uncle Rico]

Wrong.

Wrong.

Yes.

I think Counsell will get the ax if the Cubs miss the playoffs.

Murphy isn't some tactical baseball genius but he is pretty good at handling the team on a day-to-day basis and understanding the roster makeup.  He has in game and pitcher management issues.  He makes up for it with keeping the team focused and loose. 

Counsell's last year in Milwaukee was the opposite of that but he had some guys on that team that I'm not sure the manager would have made that much of a difference.  Burnes was pouty all year, heck, even going back to '22 and Winker was a problem when around.  He didn't handle the young guys all that well that year, either.  Prior to that, his clubhouses/culture were quite good.

[TallTitan34]

I think Counsell will get the ax if the Cubs miss the playoffs.

Ricketts won't eat that money.  He could easily, but he won't.

[Shaka Shart]

Ricketts won't eat that money.  He could easily, but he won't.

He will make Craig bartend at the newest bachelorette party bar in wrigley in his ongoing attempts to make that neighborhood into bad Nashville

[cheebs09]

I think early on, Counsell was a pretty innovative manager. He used Hader really well until Hader only wanted to pitch the ninth.

Craigtember was always fun, but then MLB limited roster sizes. I also think we utilized the shifts more than most until they were banned.

I think a big part of the Brewers success is their pitching lab. They have been able to get some under the radar pitchers to turn into very effective starters.