{"id":603236,"date":"2026-03-03T08:18:37","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T08:18:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/603236\/"},"modified":"2026-03-03T08:18:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T08:18:37","slug":"craig-counsell-sends-a-strong-message-monday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/603236\/","title":{"rendered":"Craig Counsell sends a strong message Monday"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cubs players, personnel, and present media witnessed a rare occurrence Monday morning: Craig Counsell at an elevated decibel level. Per ESPN beat Jesse Rogers<\/a>, Counsell was \u201craising his voice\u201d during baserunning drills. Rogers adds it was \u201cdeserved\u201d based on his observations.<\/p>\n

Worth noting the Cubs made some gaffes on the bases in Sunday\u2019s game against the White Sox. Bad baserunning has been a theme all Spring beyond one game and practice. This also includes the infamous triple play<\/a> the other week. This will need to (and should) be cleaned up before Opening Day.<\/p>\n

Counsell bringing some heat to Chicago Cubs
\n\"ChicagoSep 24, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) before the game against the New York Mets at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

It speaks volumes (pun intended) that, if Counsell<\/a> giving it to his squad the way he did Monday was as noticeable to someone who covers a team as it was to someone who covers a team. While he will get in the face of an umpire occasionally, he\u2019s not one to yell or get overly animated. His mellowness has drawn criticism at times, and one can argue whether it\u2019s really deserved.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m not sure I\u2019ve ever heard Craig Counsell raise his voice but he just gave it to his team during base running drills. (They deserved it)<\/p>\n

\u2014 Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) March 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Spring Training results don\u2019t mean much, but getting the fundamentals down does. A veteran pitcher giving up runs while working on his stuff is not a big deal, unlike continuing to make basic fundamental mistakes. Counsell clearly felt he needed to send a message to his players and staff that it has to get cleaned up sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n

Not worrying about the situation
\n\"MLB:MLB: Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs Jun 1, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) steals second base as Cincinnati Reds second base Matt McLain (9) takes a late throw during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

While annoying, especially for Counsell, it\u2019s not a time to be overly concerned about the Cubs baserunning.<\/p>\n

In 2025 they were the third-best team in baseball in Base Running runs above average per FanGraphs<\/a> (11.0). Three of their primary position players, Pete Crow-Armstrong<\/a>, Dansby Swanson<\/a>, and Nico Hoerner<\/a>, were in the 95th percentile or higher in baserunning value last year per Statcast. Other veterans who don\u2019t have the speed or agility to bring plus value on the bases should at least have the baseball I.Q. to avoid frequent misplays.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not to say the Cubs haven\u2019t had a handful of frustrating baserunning gaffes over the years. Sometimes they were on the players and other times on the coaches. Yes, having a handful of elite baserunners can mask some of the team\u2019s bad gaffes on its advanced stat sheets. They still should be expected to be one of the better overall baserunning teams. Hopefully, the message was received.<\/p>\n

\"Cubs,<\/p>\n

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