Craig Counsell was introduced as the manager of the Chicago Cubs on Monday.
Counsell, 53, said he had been contemplating a change for the past couple of years and couldn\'t pass up the chance to manage the storied franchise.
\"It\'s been an emotional week,\" he said. \"Much harder than I imagined. Just the speed in which this happened and 17 years [including as a player] of relationships. That hits you hard.
\"The [Milwaukee] Brewers have meant a lot to me. I have great relationships there. The relationships I have there are the relationships I\'m going to try with all of me to build in Chicago. They\'re what\'s important in this game.\"
Counsell traveled to meet in secret with Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer on Nov. 1, after his contract with the Brewers ran out. He was intrigued by Hoyer\'s vision and aggressive approach.
\"I saw quickly that the organization is in great health,\" Counsell said. \"Jed presented a compelling vision of that. It\'s time to be a Cub. There is momentum happening here. And it feels close. Now it\'s my job to be part of taking us to the next level. And that\'s the plan.\"