Cubs Bench Coach Andy Green Interviewed for Guardians Managerial Opening

This could be either very good or very bad depending on how you view David Ross as a decision-maker and how much direct input you believe he’s getting from those closest to him in the dugout. The biggest knock on the Cubs manager outside of the “dumb and bald” memes on social media is that his in-game choices often seem to defy logic. Of course, that is frequently a matter of those on the outside lacking proper context.

One of the main voices in Ross’s ear over the last four seasons has been bench coach Andy Green, who was hired in December of 2019 after being let go less than three months early as Padres manager. The former utility player rose quickly through the coaching ranks, going from the Pioneer League in 2012 to the minors in 2013 before being named third base coach for the Diamondbacks in 2015. After just one year in Arizona, Green became the Padres skipper.

Now he’s got a chance to run a team once again, with Ken Rosenthal reporting that Green has interviewed for the managerial vacancy in Cleveland following Terry Francona‘s retirement. It’s hardly a sure thing that the Cubs will be looking for a new bench coach, however, as Zack Meisel wrote that “the Guardians’ initial list included 45 names with a diverse set of experiences and backgrounds.” We can also assume the candidates have varying hairstyles and intelligence.

One such candidate is expected to be Craig Counsell, who has been linked to the Guardians as well as the Mets. The Angels, Astros, and Padres are also seeking managers and could be trying to woo Counsell.

Even if Green returns to the bench in Chicago, the coaching staff will look a little different next season. Bullpen coach Chris Young and strategy coach Craig Driver are no longer with the organization after their contracts were not renewed, signaling subtle changes in direction behind the scenes. One thing we know for sure is that Ross no longer has any leeway should his team fall short of expectations in 2024.