WATCH: Craig Counsell on how they will use Cade Horton |
Tony Crumpton
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- Saturday, May 10 2025
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell met with the media ahead of Saturday's game against the New York Mets as he provides an update on Ian Happ, the decision to have Pete Crow-Armstrong leading off in Saturday night's game, how top pitching prospect Cade Horton will be used, and much more.
Check out the pregame video below:
Video summary/cliff notes:
(00:00–00:29): Craig Counsell discusses Ian Happ’s oblique discomfort from a swing during the first at-bat; he finished the game but is now day-to-day, with no talk of an IL stint yet.
(00:53): Counsell says he purposely didn’t talk to Ian about approach at leadoff, joking that fewer swings might actually benefit the team.
(01:32–02:12): On Cade Horton’s MLB debut, Counsell emphasizes daily game-by-game decisions to win, suggesting bullpen use may provide a softer intro and strategic value vs. stacked lineups.
(02:36): Acknowledges the challenge for any pitcher against strong lineups, emphasizing that no intro is “easy”—hitters are paid well for a reason.
(02:55–03:56): Counsell reflects on players being themselves—embracing flaws, individuality, and growth through the highs and lows of baseball.
(04:22–05:17): He praises pitcher Drew for his perseverance through injuries, calling his fastball "special" and lauding his steady contribution to the bullpen.
(05:47–06:18): Counsell compliments David Stearns’ talent for identifying undervalued players, attributing it to his organizational skill and improvement-focused mindset.
(06:18–06:48): Jokes that Stearns’ success is due to what he learned from Counsell, but ultimately credits him as a strong leader who surrounds himself with talented people.
