The Cubs’ first-year manager might have been at his most animated all season in throwing down a challenge to the entire organization.

If the Chicago Cubs lose to the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday, the Milwaukee Brewers will officially win the NL Central. While it’s a humbling thought for most Cubs fans, Craig Counsell seems to have already considered the possibility.

The Milwaukee Brewers have used the doubts as fuel for their dreams all season. Now, after the Chicago Cubs fell to the Oakland A’s 5-3 on Wednesday, the Brewers have clinched the National League’s Central division.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell admits a 'big gap' exists between the Brewers and the rest of the NL Central division.

The Chicago Cubs are under a lot of pressure to perform next season after Craig Counsell's disappointing debut. These free agents could move the needle.

The Milwaukee Brewers have done it. Despite going through plenty of changes both on an organizational-level and in the big-league roster this past offseason, the Brewers have secured the NL Central crown on Wednesday by virtue of a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies and a 5-3 loss for the Chicago Cubs.