Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer’s stealthy hiring of manager Craig Counsell left Cubs fan Chad Smets stunned.
“I almost drove off the highway when my buddy texted me and told me [the Cubs hired Craig Counsell],” Smets said. “I thought he was messing with me. That’s something that showed they’re serious and why I had faith they were going to do other moves.”
Hoyer’s measured approach to the offseason left Counsell as the marquee acquisition until he signed Japanese left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga to a four-year, $53 million contract.
Cubs fans descended on the downtown Sheraton Grand Chicago for the Cubs Convention, which ends Sunday. The weekend event, which is known for its exuberant environment, is an introduction to the newest Cubs and a way for fans of all ages to interact with one another.
But the talk of the convention was Hoyer’s acquisitions — or lack thereof.
“I thought I was going to come here and they weren’t going to have done anything,” 35-year-old Douglass Clarkson said. “Now they signed the Japanese pitcher [Imanaga] and made that trade for the third baseman and a reliever from the Los Angeles Dodgers [Michael Busch and Yency Almonte]. So I’m excited, but I still hope there’s more to be done.”
Dawn Bednar is attending the convention for the first time, courtesy of her mother-in-law. The 45-year-old Bednar has a simple request for Hoyer.
“Sign the guys back, sign Cody [Bellinger] back,” Bednar said. “I am really upset that they let Stro [Marcus Stroman] go, but I know it is a business.”
Ah, Bellinger. The former National League MVP who captured the hearts of Cubs fans with his strong defense and timely hits. Fans chanted for Bellinger — who’s still a free agent — during chairman Tom Ricketts’ opening address. Shortstop Dansby Swanson even openly campaigned for the Cubs to re-sign Bellinger.
“Before we get to next year, we’ve got to re-sign Belli,” Swanson said during a panel.
The fans are getting restless. It has been almost seven years since the Cubs won a playoff game and four years since their last postseason appearance.
Clarkson attended the convention with a unique jersey. He wore a dark blue jersey with patches of various team logos splattered across the front and back.
He said the first patch was a tribute to legendary Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray. He has been working on the jersey for at least 15 years. The offseason has given him some trepidation regarding his outlook for what the team can do this season.
“I want to be optimistic — depending on what they still do between now and spring training with the rest of the team — but if they only do this, I don’t think they can win a World Series,” Clarkson said.
After last offseason’s splash signing of Swanson (seven years, $177 million), fans expected this offseason to feature more big signings reminiscent of the Dodgers.
Hoyer is aware of the memes about his reserved nature regarding deal-making, but he said he’s focused on making good deals.
Fans also want him to make good deals. They’re an astute bunch with their own wish list. They want some starting pitching, another bat and some bullpen arms, but they’re still sporting that trademark positivity.
“I’m a Cubs fan, dude,” Smets said. “We’re going all the way.”
