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Cubs fan Chad Smets was stunned when Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer quietly signed manager Craig Counsell.
“As I was about to go off the highway, a friend texted me and said, “I almost went off the highway. [the Cubs hired Craig Counsell]” Smets said. “I thought he might be making fun of me. It showed they were serious and that’s why I believed they would make other moves.”
Hoyer’s cautious approach to the offseason made Counsell the most likely candidate to sign Japanese left-handed pitcher Shota Imanga to a four-year, $53 million contract.
Cubs fans will gather at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Chicago for the 2024 Cubs Convention. This weekend event, similar to the Waste Management Phoenix Open in its vibrant environment, is both an introduction to the newest Cubs and a way for fans of all ages to interact and commiserate with each other.
On each floor of the hotel, fans wore Obvious shirts, some wearing white Cubs overalls with World Series hats and something in blue, white and red.
But the talk of the Cubs tournament was whether they would get Hoyer or not.
“I was going to come here, but I thought they weren’t going to do anything,” said Douglas Clarkson, 35. “Now they’ve signed a Japanese pitcher.” [Imanga] In that trade, he acquired a third baseman and a relief pitcher from the Los Angeles Dodgers. [Michael Busch and Yence Almonte], I’m very excited, but I hope there’s still a lot of work to do. ”
Dawn Bednar, 45, has a simple request for Coach Hoyer to take a look at during the offseason.
“Sign back with the players and sign Cody.” [Bellinger] I’m back,” Bednar said. “I’m really angry that they gave Sutro permission.” [Marcus Stroman] Please go. But I know it’s a business. ”
Ah, Beringer. A former league MVP who won the hearts of Cubs fans with his solid defense and timely hitting. During Tom Ricketts’ introductory speech, fans cheered for Bellinger, who is still a free agent.
Cubs fans are getting restless. It’s been nearly seven years since the Cubs last won in the playoffs and four years since they last appeared in the postseason.
Clarkson attended the Cubs convention wearing a unique jersey. He wore a dark blue jersey with different patches of different team logos sprinkled on the front and back.
He said the first patch was a tribute to legendary Cubs anchor Harry Carey. He has been working on this jersey for at least his 15 years. The offseason ended with some uncertainty regarding his outlook on what the team could do during the 2024 season.
“I want to be optimistic — it depends on what they do between now and spring training with the rest of the team — but I don’t think we can win the World Series if we do just this. I don’t think so,” Clarkson said.
After signing shortstop Dansby Swanson to a big deal last season, the fan base was hoping for another big deal reminiscent of the Dodgers this offseason.
Hoyer said he’s aware there’s a meme that he’s reserved when it comes to deals, but he’s focused on making good deals. Cubs fans also want Hoyer to get a good deal. The Cubs are a shrewd group who have compiled their own wish list of things they want Hoyer to do. They need starting pitching, bats and bullpen arms, but still boast their trademark aggressiveness.
“I’m a Cubs fan, dude,” Smets said. “We will go as far as we want.”
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