As expected, the Chicago Cubs are set to make significant changes to their big league coaching staff. That comes less as a response to a disappointing season, and more as a response to manager Craig Counsell having a full and normal early offseason with which to work on a coaching search. There were many changes he could not realistically make last year, and they were always coming this offseason regardless of performance. Managers like to make out their own coaching staffs. That’s just how it is, and you want to empower them to do so – especially a wildly successful manager like Craig Counsell.
In any case, here’s the start of the changes:
Jesse Rogers reports that long-time first base coach Mike Napoli is out, as are newer arrivals James Adduci (one of several hitting coaches) and Darren Holmes (bullpen coach). Napoli was a very well-liked guy as far as I’ve ever heard, so I’m sure there are some sad folks in the organization today.
There is likely more on the way as the days and weeks go on after the conclusion of the season, and the forthcoming end-of-season internal interviews/reviews. It’s not a fun process for anyone involved, I’m sure, and I’ll wish everyone well on their next gigs.