Cubs manager David Ross texts Pirates counterpart Derek Shelton, trying to clarify postgame remarks about the team
CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs manager David Ross tried to set the record straight Saturday.
Ross thought he had corrected himself during his postgame remarks Thursday but wanted to clarify his intention with Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton.
Ross texted Shelton on Friday night to explain that his comments after the Cubs’ 8-6 loss to the Pirates on Thursday at Wrigley Field stemmed from frustration about his team’s performance when he stated, “That’s not a good team that just took two of three from us — or not our caliber team, I believe — and we’ve got to turn it around. It’s on me. It’s on the guys in that room.”
The Pirates took exception to Ross’ words. Shelton told reporters Friday, in part, that “it’s unfortunate that he chose to make them about our team instead of his team.” The Cubs won 10 of 13 games in the season series, outscoring the Pirates 101-49.
“I was more talking about us and how we played this year against that team,” Ross said before Saturday’s game against the Colorado Rockies. “We played really well, and any team can win on any given night. Derek and that crew over there have done a really nice job. Part of this job, you’re not always going to be perfect in these meetings and sometimes after a game postgame, you’re going to say things that probably don’t come out the right way and what you’re really truly feeling and the respect you have for everybody in this league.”
The Pirates could affect whether the Cubs make the playoffs. Five of their remaining eight games are against the Cincinnati Reds and Miami Marlins after the Pirates beat the Reds on Friday.
“Hopefully they use my words and kick the crap out of the Reds,” Ross said with a smile.
