The rivalry between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs runs deep over the years. Ask any fan! Chicago led the charge by signing a five-year deal with Craig Counsell as manager, offering the highest salary in MLB history for a position coach – $40 million. This power move was felt by the entire division with pressure to fight for the top spot.
And the Cincinnati Reds have been quick to respond to this rivalry by hiring veteran Terry Francona as their manager for a $45 million deal for three years. But this deal might indicate double risk for the team. Wonder why?
The Reds’ gamble
Even though fired, ex-manager David Bell still owes about $5 million from the Cincinnati Reds. While his contract ends in 2026, paying another $15 million (annually) to Francona will only add to their financial burden. Because let’s face it – the big-market stature of the Cubs does position them ahead in the monetary battle! And that’s just one concern!
Francona’s health adds to this gamble. The 65-year-old manager has faced so many major medical issues in recent years – gastrointestinal problems, blood clots, heap replacement, and whatnot! He almost had to say ciao to his career. So, a 162-game season might be brutal for him. What if Francona needs to be away from the bench for a while?
Now, there is doubt about the team’s alternative planning and depth of coaching staff to deal with such a situation. “I told the coaches there’s probably going to be some days where I’ve got to get off my feet. I’m going to try to limit those but, yeah, come in a little early, things like that,” shared Francona himself.
So, is there any solution?
The answer is easy to say but not implement: Managing his health. “I mean, I know down deep I’m going to have to keep an eye on things health-wise. It’s easy now. The year I had off was good for me. It was great for me. But it’s different when the season starts. I know that,” mentioned Terry Francona.
Reds President Nick Krall is aware of this shortcoming and hence, pointed out, “We need to make sure we’re monitoring his schedule. He knows what he must do to be healthy daily,” said Krall. Well, what else can we say – the Reds are probably only hoping for the best. But if everything goes well, Francona can prove to be a great investment!
Terry Francona is a symbol of hope
The legacy of Terry Francona is built upon outwitting more moneyed oppositions. He broke the famous 86-year “Curse of the Bambino” with a World Series title in 2004 as the Boston Red Sox Strategist, following another win in 2007.
His skillful management of the Cleveland Indians shows his ability to get the most out of a tight budget. In the 2016 World Series, his Indians pushed the juggernaut Cubs to a thrilling Game 7 at progressive field. Although they ultimately fell short, Francona’s leadership became the Cubs’ nightmare, despite having a heavily favored lineup.
Well, Terry Francona is a baseball man through and through. His ability to develop players was evident with the Cleveland Indians – take Francisco Lindor, José Ramírez, and Corey Kluber as examples. Under his guidance, they became All-Stars and the backbone of team success. And now, with an overflowing farm system full of prospects, including talents like Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene, the Reds manager can again garner that ability.
But the managerial battle of Francona vs Counsell adds a great twist to the NL Central dogfight. As a manager, Craig Counsell led the Milwaukee Brewers to playoffs 5-times in his 9-year tenure. Heading neck-to-neck, Counsell has a winning percentage of .529 while Francona’s is .538.
Well, we cannot deny both the managers’ ability to connect with players and make strategic decisions. But comparing Counsell with a managerial giant like Francona might be a bit too much! Don’t you think? Because Craig Counsell is good, but Terry Francona is iconic!
Now, coming to the 30-year playoff drought of Cincinnati – that’s quite heavy! No doubt, Francona has to be faster than ever to produce results.
Tbh, the Reds cannot outspend the Chicago Cubs, so they are trying to outthink them. Signing Francona becomes the organization’s best move, a play that Reds ownership believes fans will support. As one Reds staffer commented, “The Cubs got the highest-paid manager. We got the Hall of Famer.”
Do you believe that Terry Francona can end the dry spell for the Reds? The comment box is open for you!
The post Reds Risk It All by Hiring Cubs Worst Nightmare to Neutralize Chicago’s $40 Million Threat appeared first on EssentiallySports.
