"We're going to credit Taylor Swift" - Cubs manager Craig Counsell jokes about team's recent hot streak

When the Chicago Cubs signed manager Craig Counsell to a five-year deal worth $40 million this offseason, the skipper became the highest-paid coach in baseball. However, even with his team amid a hot streak, Counsell is careful not to hog the credit.

Over the past two weeks, the Cubs have scored 74 runs, which is the second-most in MLB. Moreover, Counsell's club ranks third in slugging, third in doubles, and twenty-sixth in strikeouts over that period. On account of this, the Cubs have gone 7-3 over their last 10, and now find themselves a game over .500.

"Taylor Swift COULD be helping the @Cubs right now" - Marquee Sports Network

Ahead of his team's clash with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, Craig Counsell was asked by Marquee Sports about the Taylor Swift fans who follow the Cubs. In response, Counsell claimed that he was gifted a Taylor Swift-themed candle, which he has lit in his office before the past number of games. According to the 54 year-old, that could be the reason for his team's fortunes.

Taylor Swift, 34, is as popular as ever. Now in the midst of her world-renowned Eras tour, the singer-songwriter enjoys massive popularity around the globe.

Craig Counsell's mammoth contract was awarded on account of his track record. In his nine years as manager of the Milwaukee Brewers from 2015 until 2023, the Wisconsin-native managed the team to three NL Central titles, amassing a 640-559 record in his role.

"Got to meet Cubs manager & @Marlins legend Legend Craig Counsell who scored the winning run in Game 7 of the 1997 World Series at BP #MarlinsBeisbol" - Lu FromDade

Raised in Wisconsin, Counsell's father worked as the Brewers' speakers bureau and community relations, and Counsell himself played for Milwaukee for six of his sixteen years as an MLB player. Despite his new role with the Chicago Cubs, the esteemed manager still commutes from the Milwaukee area.

Craig Counsell knows how to manage a playoff club

With three years now seperating the Cubs from their last playoff appearance, Craig Counsell has the opportunity to use his wealth of postseason experience in a new role. As the skipper continued to Marquee Sports:

"We've found a nice little run here so we're gonna credit Taylor Swift"

Keeping things light and easy is as important a tool for motivation as anything else. Counsell, who has managed some very good clubs in his time, is fully aware of this.