After weeks (if not more) of speculation, the Cubs officially named David Ross as their new manager yesterday, replacing Joe Maddon.  Ross, who retired from the Cubs following the 2016 World Series, has no previous managing or coaching experience.  Ross inherits an underachieving team that has sputtered down the stretch the prior two seasons, losing the Wild Card game in 2018 and failing to make the playoffs this past year.

Managing his former teammates will be a non-issue, according to Ross and the Cubs front office, but there is risk involved in players who considered Ross a friend now having to toe the line as he becomes their boss.  In some ways, it is a safe choice, but there is a risk that it will backfire and the team will be forced to part ways with a recent legend.