Cubs’ Craig Counsell a finalist for NL Manager of the Year

Cubs’ Craig Counsell a finalist for NL Manager of the Year

originally appeared on
NBC Sports Chicago

Chicago Cubs manager, Craig Counsell, has quickly made waves by being nominated for the prestigious Manager of the Year award in the National League. This nomination comes just hours after his appointment as the team’s skipper.

Counsell secured his place as a finalist due to his remarkable contributions to the Milwaukee Brewers, who clinched the NL Central title. Under Counsell’s guidance, the Brewers have reached the playoffs five times in the past nine seasons.

The other two finalists for this esteemed award are Miami Marlins manager, Skip Schumaker, and Atlanta Braves skipper, Brian Snitker.

If Counsell emerges as the winner, he will join a esteemed group of managers who have won the award despite leaving the team they were nominated for. One such example is Joe Girardi, who won the award in 2006 after being fired by the Marlins.

The Cubs made headlines recently by appointing Counsell as their new manager. In a surprising turn of events, they terminated David Ross from his position to make way for Counsell’s arrival.

Counsell, on the other hand, secured a groundbreaking deal with the Cubs, signing a five-year contract reportedly worth $40 million. This makes him the highest-paid manager in MLB history.

MLB has announced that the winner of the Manager of the Year award will be revealed on Tuesday, November 14th.

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