David Ross Apparently Won The Cubs Manager Gig Because Of A Speech?

I mean, if the deciding factor was a speech, then why wasn’t Jason Heyward, the man with the best speech in Cubs history, considered as player-manager by the front office?

So, as you may have heard, David Ross is going to be the new Cubs manager. He and Astros bench coach Joe Espada both got second interviews with Theo Epstein and company. Apparently in those second interviews, Ross and Espada had to present a mock speech given to the team in spring training.

Ross won the speech-off and now he’s the manager. OK fine, it was just one of the factors that made the Cubs choose him.

Per source – one of the things that put Ross over the top for the job with the Cubs, was his strong delivery of a mock 2020 Spring Training team speech. The club asked Ross and Joe Espada to compose and deliver mock speeches for the staff during their second interviews.

— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) October 23, 2019

I’m fine with the Ross hiring, I’m way more worried about how Theo’s going to upgrade the roster this offseason. But still, it’s a pretty funny visual, imagining Ross and Espada do their mock speeches in front of just a couple people.

As I said on the radio several times, Espada was brought in Sunday and did a mock press conference as well as a fake "talk" with the team. Ross did the same on Monday. Obviously a strength for Ross. Not sure if it clinched the job for him but it didn't hurt.

— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) October 23, 2019

Does it bring back awful memories of Marc Trestman getting picked over Bruce Arians?!?! I guess. But wasn’t Trestman’s lack of respect from players and absolutely zero motivational and leaderships skills his downfall with the Bears?

Hate him, love him, feel indifferent about him, Ross is respected, is praised because he held teammates accountable and is known for his leadership qualities. Honestly, that’s what you want in a manager. Someone who can lead and motivate, especially now in the age of analytics playing a huge role in actual decision making in MLB.

OK, now some leak those speeches.