Brewers hire Craig Counsell as next manager

In a quick turnaround, the Milwaukee Brewers have officially named former infielder Craig Counsell as the club's next manager. Counsell will not serve as an interim replacement.

Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin made the announcement Monday morning. In a press release Melvin said, “Craig has many years of Major League playing experience, and his three-plus years of learning all aspects of baseball operations helps prepare him for this managerial position.” Counsell has remained with the Brewers organization since his retirement from the field, serving as special assistant to the general manager since the beginning of 2012. As a player, Counsell won two World Series championships over a 16-year career, once with Florida in 1997 and again with Arizona in 2001.  Fans will particularly remember Counsell as the player with an unusual batting stance.

Counsell is now the 19th manager in franchise history. He replaces Ron Roenicke, who was relieved of his duties last night. Roenicke finishes his Brewers managerial career above .500 with a 342-331 record. Roenicke took the team to the playoffs once in 2011, losing to the Cardinals in the NLCS.