Chicago Cubs: Previewing the 2016 season

Can Joe Maddon continue to make all the right moves?

How the young Chicago Cubs handle all that preseason hype will be up to manager Joe Maddon.

Maddon was his spectacular self in his first season as Chicago Cubs manager. It seemed that almost every move he made was the right one.

He stuck by his players until he could do so longer. He kept playing Starlin Castro even though he was mired in his worst season in his career.

When he felt he needed to take a pitcher out, he had no qualms about it, even though it may upset the pitcher. He once pulled Hector Rondon from his outing after he allowed the leadoff hitter get on base. Maddon did not feel right about Rondon, and he yanked him.

Something that will help Maddon is the addition of Ben Zobrist and John Lackey. Both of these players are playoff-battle tested, so they can help provide leadership in the clubhouse.

Zobrist also played under Maddon with the Tampa Bay Rays, so he understands what Maddon wants and how to get it done. He plays multiple positions as well, so he adds flexibility for Maddon and the Chicago Cubs.

Maddon will be his usual self, thinking outside of the box to motivate his players. He has a great handle on identifying players’ needs, and how to get into their heads to make them better. He will do whatever it takes to get the players to forget about the pressure and just have fun playing the game they love.

We will find out how that works out for the Chicago Cubs in 2016, and if he can continue to cast that magic spell over his team.

Next: Will last year's young Cubs take the next step?