Chicago Cubs’ Craig Counsell called out by ESPN reporter for controversial decision

ESPN writer and reporter Adam Rittenberg called out Counsell for leaving Taillon in the game so long, calling his decision to wait until the home run “idiotic managing.”

“Absolutely idiotic managing by Craig Counsell,” Rittenberg posted on X.

In response to a poster saying the Cubs’ offense was the main problem, Rittenberg argued that a reliever should have been in before the 105-pitch count.

“Of course he has, and the offense must deliver, but leaving him in with 105+ pitches to face Altuve again? Why don’t you have a reliever ready”,” he posted.

Rittenberg went as far as to argue that Counsell doesn’t bring value to the Cubs.

“I don’t see his value whatsoever in Chicago,” Rittenberg posted. “He was a good manager in Milwaukee, clearly, but not seeing what he brings here.”

Jameson Taillon believed he had control until the end

Following the game, Taillon told reporters he felt like he had his best control on the mound before the home run. The Cubs have an off day on Monday, further making Counsell’s choice to wait until Taillon threw 107 pitches before replacing him confusing to many fans on social media. Chicago has a three-game series against the (40-42) Cleveland Guardians beginning on Tuesday at Wrigley Field. Then the Cubs will host the St. Louis Cardinals for a three-game series starting on Friday, hoping to earn their first series win over a plus-.500 team since they took two from the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 22 and April 23. With the Cubs’ struggles against good teams in June, the team needs to be active in the trade market for help.