Decisions ahead for reeling Cubs
Manager David Ross had few words for his team after the Cubs got swept out of the playoffs. There really wasn’t much to say, other than this.
“Just remember how this feels when you’re working in the offseason,” the rookie skipper said. “This is a terrible feeling. I’m proud of them. I’m very proud of this group. This is a season like no other. As a mamager, I’m very proud of this group.”
The Cubs won the NL Central at 34-26 in Ross’ first year and returned to the playoffs after missing out last year. Yu Darvish built on a strong second half last year and thrust himself into the Cy Young Award conversation.
But the Cubs stalled after winning 13 of their first 16 games in the pandemic-shortened season. They got swept at home by the Marlins in their wild-card series, managing just one run in two games.
And they’re facing some big decisions about a core that in 2016 helped bring the long-suffering franchise its first World Series championship in 108 years.
The team holds options for next season on veteran starter Jon Lester and slugger Anthony Rizzo. Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, and Kyle Schwarber can all become free agents after next season.
Phillies shuffle: Matt Klentak has stepped down as general manager of the Phillies after a third straight September collapse left the team out of the postseason for the ninth consecutive season.
Klentak will be reassigned to another position in the organization and Ned Rice will serve as interim GM until the Phillies hire someone to run baseball operations.
Klentak was hired in October 2015 by team President Andy MacPhail after serving as assistant general manager for the Angels for four seasons. The Phillies were 326-382 in five seasons under Klentak.
Ex-Dodgers pitcher dies: Ron Perranoski, the left-handed ace of the Dodgers’ bullpen who helped them win a pair of World Series championships in the 1960s, has died. He was 84.
He died Friday night at his home in Vero Beach, Fla., of complications from a long illness, his sister Pat Zailo told AP.
Perranoski played in the major leagues from 1961-73 for the Dodgers, Twins, Tigers and Angels. He had a career record of 79-74 with 178 saves and a 2.79 ERA.