Former Boston Red Sox catcher David Ross reveals that he has discussed facing his old team in the World Series with some Chicago Cubs teammates.
What would you consider to be your dream World Series match-up? If you said Boston Red Sox vs Chicago Cubs, you’re not alone.
Red Sox Nation would certainly get on board with that outcome, but it also appears to be what several Cubs players are hoping for. Former Red Sox catcher David Ross revealed on WEEI’s Rob Bradford’s podcast that the possibility of facing his former team in the World Series has been a topic of conversation in the Cubs clubhouse.
"“For sure, because we’re always following it,” said Ross. “We have such a connection to the city and the organization, that comes up all the time. We’re talking about David [Ortiz] and what he’s doing and what is going on there and all the success that’s happening in Boston. Heck yeah, we’ve talked about it. I think the storybook is the Red Sox and Cubs. Two of the oldest franchises in the game. The two best stadiums, in my opinion, in all of baseball. We think about it all the time. If that’s the goal there wouldn’t be a better place to be than Boston and Chicago.”"
The Cubs roster is littered with players that were once part of the Red Sox organization. In addition to Ross, the pitching duo of Jon Lester and John Lackey were both part of the last Red Sox team to win a World Series in 2013. Chicago’s lineup is anchored by superstar Anthony Rizzo, who was once a top prospect in Boston’s farm system until he was traded as the key piece to the package used to acquire Adrian Gonzalez from the San Diego Padres in 2010. Chicago’s 40-man roster also includes catcher Tim Federowicz, who was drafted by the Red Sox in the 7th round of the 2008 draft.
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The connections to Boston don’t end with the active roster. The Cubs are run by former Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein, the architect of a pair of World Series titles during his time in Boston. Former Red Sox third baseman/outfielder Eric Hinske, a member of the 2007 championship team, is now serving as an assistant hitting coach for the Cubs. Darnell McDonald spent parts of three seasons in Boston and now works as a baseball operations assistant with the Cubs.
With so many ties to the Red Sox organization, it’s no surprise that Cubs players are thinking ahead to the possibility of meeting their former team on the game’s biggest stage. Especially now that each team is in the drivers seat, owning the best record in their respective leagues. Entering the day on Tuesday, Chicago has already clinched the National League’s best record at 100-56. Boston currently sits half a game ahead of the Texas Rangers in the American League at 92-64 and has the opportunity to clinch the AL East division with a win or Toronto Blue Jays loss tonight.
David Ortiz has garnered most of the attention with his farewell tour, but Ross is also expected to retire after this season. The 14-year veteran is ready to call it quits regardless of how this season turns out, but if he could design a perfect ending to his career it would include facing the Red Sox in the World Series.
"“This season has been a dream come true for me in so many ways, but to end it playing the Red Sox, that would be the storybook,” said Ross. “I love all those guys. I’m rooting those guys on all the time. I’m in constant contact with a bunch of those guys, coaches included. I miss those guys. I’m always pulling for them. Getting me and David in the World Series would be pretty neat.”"
Seeing Ortiz go out on top would be a storybook ending for Red Sox fans. While falling short of a title would be deemed a disappointment, there would be some consolation in seeing several fan-favorites that once called Boston home raise the trophy.
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Many fans would be happy to see a Cubs franchise that hasn’t won a World Series since 1908 finally end their championship drought. Red Sox fans can certainly sympathize with Chicago’s fan base, given their own curse-breaking history. Facing the Cubs in the World Series is about as close as a baseball fan can get to a win-win.