Craig Counsell, head coach of the Chicago Cubs, just announced his departure due to.

While acknowledging that he was as surprised as everyone to learn that Craig Counsell was joining the Cubs, owner Mark Attanasio insisted he did not feel “betrayed” by the veteran manager’s decision to leave Milwaukee.

On Monday, the Cubs surprised the baseball community by firing manager David Ross and installing Counsell, a man who had spent the previous 17 years as a player, executive, and manager with the Brewers and was associated with the team.

When Counsell told Attanasio his choice, he reportedly said to reporters, “Are you toying with me?”

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Attanasio remarked, “We’re all here today because we lost Craig.” “But now that I’ve thought about it, Craig has lost both our community and us.”

Counsell’s contract expired at the end of 2017 season, making him one of the biggest managerial free agents in recent memory. Over the previous six years, Counsell led the cost-conscious Brewers to three NL Central titles and five postseason appearances.

Counsell signed a five-year contract worth a record-breaking $40 million with the Cubs, defying expectations that he would either sign with the Brewers or be hired by the New York Mets.

MLB.com was told by Brewers ace Corbin Burnes that “it kind of came out of nowhere.” “I believe everyone in the organization and the fan base is reacting the same way I am: We’re just startled at first.”

Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff said, “I’m still digesting that, too.” “I did not anticipate the Cubs.” However, after a little more investigation, you begin to understand it.”

When asked if he thought Counsell’s decision to join the rival Cubs was a betrayal, Attanasio replied no.

“Unquestionably not deceived,” he declared. “I’m so grateful for what we have that I find it hard to fathom someone desiring to be anywhere else. Our family’s objective is for me and my boys to serve as the community’s stewards for a very long time, and ideally, after 2050, someone else will feel the same way about the team and the unique community.

“I have loved Milwaukee more than any other city in the nation since the day I moved here.”