The Cubs feel they’ve found the right guy in new manager David Ross. Now, it’s on the former backup catcher to identify who he wants on his support staff.
During his introductory press conference Monday, Ross wouldn’t share his plans for his coaching staff.
“I haven’t started that process yet,” he said. “I’ve sent some texts to coaches. ... I’ll know more of that going forward.”
However, team president Theo Epstein hinted that Ross will make at least one adjustment — and that could mean replacing bench coach Mark Loretta with a well-versed veteran.
“I know from talking to him and his thoughts during interview and the last couple of days, he plans on keeping a number of our coaches,” Epstein said. “There are also some guys, at least a couple of guys, he really has his eyes on from the outside that could fit into the mix as well.”
Ross believes he possesses some skills that will make managing second nature to the two-time World Series champion, including his ability to communicate and build relationships. But with no previous managerial or coaching experience at any level, Ross knows he’ll need some guidance early on with in-game decisions.
“It’s going to be important that my bench coach is one step ahead of me until I get that feel back,” Ross said.
Epstein sees the benefit in having a coach with previous managerial or veteran coaching experience on his resumé.
“Either as bench coach or somewhere on the staff, I think it’s important, given David’s lack of experience managing to have someone who’s either managed or been a bench coach and can stay a step ahead of him early on as over the course of the game as he grows into the job,” Epstein said. “That would make a lot of sense.”
The Cubs have had three pitching coaches, three hitting coaches and two bench coaches since they won the World Series in 2016. Some of those changes in recent years were urged by the front office.
But Epstein stressed that Ross will have the final say on who stays and goes in regards to his coaching staff.
With Ross making the decisions on the coaching staff, it’s on Epstein to enhance the roster makeup.
“I have enough on my plate when it comes to that stuff,” Ross said. “I want as much input as they want from me and players that I like from around the league or experiences that I’ve had. ... I’ll leave that to them.”
