Tue Oct 07 01:40:00 UTC 2025: **Brewers Players Downplay Counsell Factor Ahead of Playoff Showdown with Cubs**
Milwaukee, WI – As the Milwaukee Brewers gear up to face the Chicago Cubs in the National League Division Series, the focus remains firmly on the diamond, despite the intriguing storyline of former Brewers manager Craig Counsell now leading the North Siders.
Brewers star Christian Yelich playfully dismissed any strategic advantage Counsell might hold, joking, “It’s not like ‘Couns’ has exotic blitz packages or has a good play-action pass game or anything like that that’s going to make it difficult on us.” He emphasized respect for his former manager but indicated the Brewers wouldn’t be distracted by Counsell’s presence.
Counsell’s departure to the Cubs before the season shocked the baseball world, but under new manager Pat Murphy, the Brewers have thrived, securing two division titles, including a franchise-record 97-win season. Players have noted the difference in management styles, with Sal Frelick describing Murphy as more hands-on, contrasting with Counsell’s more lenient approach.
Despite the change in leadership, the series is expected to be highly competitive, with both teams battling it out. Yelich, emphasizing the significance of the rivalry, stated, “We’ve had some big games against each other, and it’s surprising that we haven’t really met in the postseason before.”
While the former manager has been met with boos in his returns to the American Family Field, players like Freddy Peralta acknowledge the situation as “part of the game.” Both the Brewers and Cubs have a fervent fanbase and with the proximity of the two ballparks, players expect a mixed crowd. However, they don’t believe that will have any negative impact.
With the Brewers aiming to continue their success under Murphy and the Cubs looking to make a deep playoff run with Counsell at the helm, the NLDS promises to be a captivating series.
First Piper 