David Ross happily settles in as Cubs manager
It happened quickly, less than four years removed from being a player, and also a little late due to the COVID-19 delay, but David Ross finally got to officially manage his first major-league game Friday night.
“It's nice to put back on that jersey,” Ross said before the game. “It was cool to walk into my office and see the 'Ross 3' jersey hanging again. That was chills down the spine for me. That was a really cool moment. I'll be fine. I don't have to play. I just have to manage.”
During pregame introductions, Ross made it look like a cold April day with his neck gaiter pulled up over his face. But it was July 24, after numerous delays to the season.
“I'm almost relieved,” Ross said. “There was a start three weeks ago that you didn't know how this thing was going to go.
“It really has been a daily process with a lot of conversations in between that had nothing to do with baseball. I'm so proud of the work our guys put in and the attitude they've brought every day, the energy, the commitment to work.
“Now we get to do it for real. There's no distractions other than what's going to happen at the game. No other decisions to make other than what's going on on the field. I've been anxious, nervous, excited. Those little butterflies you get about Opening Day and that first day and what it looks like for real. Well, here we go.”
Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein had praise for Ross on Thursday for handling all the unexpected issues that came from the pandemic delay.
“Rossy had an outstanding camp and really did a great job of navigating through some tough waters,” Epstein said. “He's just such a natural at this, able to speak with such authenticity and credibility with the players. High emotional intelligence, able to connect with guys individually and also a group. It's been a pleasure to watch.”
Pencil pusher:The Cubs' opening-day lineup was about as expected, though Nico Hoerner started at second base. Before the game, manager David Ross was asked about Hoerner over veteran addition Jason Kipnis against a right-handed starter.#8220;I put Nico in there because I like him in there. And it's my call,#8221; Ross said.Victor Caratini got the initial nod at desginated hitter, with Kyle Schwarber in left field and Ian Happ in center.#8220;It's fun to write out the lineup,#8221; Ross said. #8220;There's a lot this job entails and right now the lineup was fun yesterday.#8221;Cubs add three:The Cubs on Friday signed outfielders Derek Dietrich and Ryan LaMarre and left-handed pitcher Burl Carraway. All three were assigned to the South Bend satellite camp. Dietrich had reported to the Cincinnati Reds' summer camp but requested a release last week. He hit 19 home runs for the Reds last season. LaMarre has played for five different teams, including the White Sox. Carraway was the Cubs' second-round draft pick this year from Dallas Baptist.Around the horn:Willson Contreras' younger brother William, also a catcher, made the opening-day roster of the Atlanta Braves. #8230; The Brewers lost 88 home runs from last year's lineup between Mike Moustakas (Reds), Yasmani Grandal (White Sox) and Eric Thames (Nationals).