John McDonnell/AP Photos
Cubs manager Craig Counsell isn’t trying to downplay the 11 games that separated his team and the National League Central champion Brewers entering Thursday.
“I think the message sent really is that there’s a big gap,” Counsell said, after the Cubs’ loss the day before had clinched the division for the Brewers. “They’re ahead of us by a lot. And it’s a talented team on and off the field. It’s a talented team, but there’s a big gap.