Chicago Cubs’ Highs And Lows Of The First Half
Apr 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) prior to a game against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Maddon’s Out Of The Box Managing
Ever since the Cubs hired Joe Maddon, he has been impressing the people in Chicago.
In his introductory press conference at the Cubby Bear, Maddon bought the media a round of drinks. That goes a long way with people who are paid to be critical.
Maddon has taken the time to take in Chicago, and he likes it. Chicago likes him…so far.
When introduced as Cubs manager, Maddon expressed his desire for the Cubs and the city to think about going to the playoffs. He wanted to set the bar high, and his players are responding to his lead…so far.
Maddon has always been an out-of-the-box thinking manager. While in Tampa, he had the players dress up in costumes on certain road trips. With the Cubs, he had all the players dress in Chicago Blackhawks jerseys to show support of their Stanley Cup run.
He makes peculiar moves with the lineup and he sticks to it. He has the pitcher batting eighth and he says it has hurt the team twice. He keeps alternating the lineup, refusing to be sticking to just one. He alternates Bryant and Anthony Rizzo at second and third, and has no problem dropping a hitter in the lineup if it is warranted. Just ask Starlin Castro.
Maddon also has no problem yanking a pitcher after just one batter as he did with Hector Rondon.
On June 6, Maddon brought in Rondon in a close game against the Washington Nationals. Rondon walked the first batter, and Maddon went out there and yanked him.
“He has not been as sharp as we know he can be lately,” said Maddon of Rondon. “Based on what I saw, it was the right thing to do,” Maddon said. “We had a rested Strop, and just looking at learning your bullpen …
“For me, it was about winning the game. I am not ordaining anybody new (as the closer). It was a moment for today.”
Maddon showed that he and the Cubs are in a win-now situation. He wants to get to the playoffs THIS YEAR. If it means doing something that may upset a pitcher, then so be it (though Rondon said all the right things).
Maddon also likes to lighten a tense situation. Recently, the Cubs went on a five game losing streak. The day they were starting a series against the Mets in New York, he had a magician perform for the players. You have these grown men who are upset during a losing streak, and he brings in a magician?
That magician performed some kind of magic as the Cubs swept the Mets and won five of their next six games.
Hopefully, Maddon has some more magic up his sleeve to help get the Cubs into the postseason.
And now the lowlights…
Next: The Underachieving Offense