When the Chicago Cubs hired Craig Counsell away from the Milwaukee Brewers, the thought process was that the Cubs would become what the Brewers have proved to be--the kingmakers in the National League Central. Instead, the only thing that has been proven is that the Brewers' success didn't center around Counsell.
Entering play on Friday, the Brewers have an 8-game lead over the Cubs in the National League Central. Any hope of the Cubs overtaking the Brewers in the division feels all but lost. Of course, the Cubs are very much alive in the National League wild-card race, and that could be what influenced Counsell's tune while speaking with reporters before the Cubs' game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday afternoon.