Thread by @GaryCohenVL

Now that David Ross is official as #Cubs manager, I took a look back at a feature I wrote about him back in 2016, during his final year as a player. A few quotes stood out. I’ll add them in this string:

Epstein on Ross:
“He’s … keeps everyone accountable and focused on all the different ingredients that go into winning. It’s pretty unique that it’s an intentional thing for him. He’s really conscious of the different things that contribute to a winning atmosphere."

Kris Bryant on Ross:
“He’s kind of like our manager. He’s fun, first off. But at the same time, he can be really serious. He pushes you. He gets the best out of you. On days when you’re feeling a little lethargic, he figures ways to pick you up. … He just has all the qualities."

Ross: “I’ve seen so many different managers, the way winning is done, losing, what losing looks like, what you would change, what you would do differently if you had the chance. I think that’s the uniqueness about my career."

David Ross did play and learn under many well-respected managers. Guys ike Jim Tracy, Dusty Baker, Bruce Bochy, Terry Francona, Bobby Cox, John Farrell and Joe Maddon

Joe Maddon on Ross:
“He will be [a manager]. He’s got great leadership qualities. I think it starts with that—his ability to relate to a wide range of people, tremendous energy and enthusiasm. He’s very bright. He understands the game."

More Joe Maddon on Ross:
“If you put ‘manager’ and put down a bunch of little boxes to check off, requirements, I think he’s got it all. He can talk to the press. He’s got a sense of humor. He’s got everything going on for him.”

Jake Arrieta on Ross:
“He’s got an eye for things in this game that not many people have, and he’s got a way of relaying information in a very unique way. He calls it like he sees it. He’s honest, and that’s what you need.”

Everyone I talked to for the article back in 2016 said (mostly unprompted) they thought David Ross had all the qualities to be a great manager.

If #Cubs fans want to read the article in PDF form (and who doesn’t want to do that), it’s here: tinyurl.com/GrandpaRossy

One more long quote on Ross, simply because I love Jon Lester:
"He knows how to push my buttons without crossing that line, and I think that’s a big thing in this game. As soon as you cross that line, you see a lot of guys shut down...

Lester con’t.
“...Regardless of who you are or how tough you think you are, you cross that line and you cross that line. It’s a matter of ‘OK, now me and you need to handle this, as opposed to me worrying about getting the hitter out.’"