Chicago — Ahead of their crucial series against the San Diego Padres, Cubs manager Craig Counsell has sent a clear signal: he’s not going to play it safe — every decision, every pitch, every substitution will be weighed as if it were the final game. “Every move counts, every inning matters,” he declared, and now the Chicago baseball world is holding its breath to see if this strategy is reckless or brilliant.
With youngster Cade Horton out of the team due to a rib injury, the Cubs have lost one of their most anticipated playoff pitching options.
Counsell has been forced to change his strategy — relying on “ready” pitchers to rotate in and out. Matthew Boyd was chosen to start Game 1, but everyone knows the “starter” no longer matters.
In his 26-man roster, he has “secret weapons” like Colin Rea — who had a 2.63 ERA in September — and Aaron Civale, just acquired from the White Sox with a 2.08 ERA in 13 innings without a walk.
In addition, the return of Michael Soroka is also expected to play a “fueling” role in the bullpen if needed.
Counsell is committed: he will put strong pitchers in the right place at the right time, not holding back, not “holding cards, waiting for game 3” — but always in an offensive position. “We will play aggressively, use our best pitcher whenever needed,” he asserted.
Pros:
His versatility in pitching allows him to “rotate” many tactical options — from long relief to “bullpen every round.”
High potential for surprise: The Padres will have difficulty predicting who will pitch which round, creating psychological pressure.
Team morale is high, thanks to an impressive run to the Wild Card after a multi-year absence.
Risks:
Playoff recklessness can lead to “burning the bullpen too early” — if strong pitchers are exposed, the Cubs could collapse before the next round.
Not every situation requires “stretching”: using the wrong person at the wrong time can cause the team to lose its tactical rhythm.
The Padres can use the exposed “continuous attack strategy” to strike back strongly.
If there is a round where the Cubs can turn the game around, it will be when the Padres think they have the initiative. Counsell wants to use such moments to deliver a surprise “knockout punch” — using a pitcher when the opponent is not ready, or planning a very early preemptive strike to push the opponent into a corner.
Every Cubs appearance in this series will not be the same — it will be a series of mini-games within the big game. Counsell wants to turn every turn, every substitution, every tactical move into a “prelude” to the next counterattack.
Craig Counsell has thrown off his defensive cap. He doesn’t want to play it “safe” to avoid defeat — he wants to win in the most aggressive way. With such a style, the Cubs send a clear message: they don’t settle for long — they want to live strong.
And if his strategy works, it will be the necessary jolt to break the Padres’ spirit before the real battle begins. But if it fails, it will become a tactical legacy that the Cubs will have to pay for.
One thing is certain: Chicago isn’t just booking a playoff spot this season — they’re coming in as a force seeking control, ready to play their way to make history.
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