Top 5 Chicago Sports Stories In 2014
Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Cubs sign Joe Maddon
Joe Maddon shocked the baseball world during the World Series when he opted out of his contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. Arguably one of baseball’s best minds was a free agent.
The Cubs, of course, already had a manager, Rick Renteria. Renteria did an admirable job of handling the Cubs in 2014. After the prospects came in, he did a very skilful job of handling them.
After the 100-game mark, the Cubs were 41-59. After bringing in the young talent such as Javier Baez, Jorge Soler and Kyle Hendricks among others, the Cubs finished the last 62 games with a 32-30 record. Excellent work.
With a chance of getting a such a great manager in Maddon, Theo Epstein had to strike. He went after him, and landed him.
This signing cannot be overstated. Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer had a plan, and they wanted to take a big step in 2015, but signing Maddon sped up the process.
Maddon gave credibility to Epstein’s plan. It gave the Cubs credibility. The lovable losers are now making a concerted effort to win, and win the right way. No longer were they just trying to throw money and build a two or three-year contender. After dismantling and rebuilding the minor league system to the point where they are rated either #1 or #2 depending on who you believe, there is a foundation built to have the Cubs be a contender for years to come.
After the Maddon signing, the Cubs went big pitcher hunting. They got their man in Jon Lester, who helped the Boston Red Sox end their World Series drought, and got them two titles.
The Cubs also went out and re-signed Jason Hammel, who they traded last July, but who had success while with the Cubs.
The Cubs weren’t finished as they also traded to fortify their catcher position, acquiring Migeul Montero, a two-time All Star.
There are still some other moves to be made, but the signing of Joe Maddon made the Cubs a serious contender for players. As well as Renteria did in 2014, he did not give the Cubs what Maddon does.
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