Chicago Cubs: Is Joe Maddon’s job now in jeopardy?
As the Chicago Cubs continue to play inconsistent baseball down the stretch, it’s fair to wonder if Joe Maddon‘s job security is still bulletproof?
The Chicago Cubs just can’t seem to make things easy on themselves nowadays. In fact, it’s been that way since Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. The main catalyst: Joe Maddon himself.
It’s no secret that the Cubs have been held back from greatness this season by their overrated manager: a manager who single-handedly, yet unknowingly, tried to sabotage his team’s chances of winning that decisive Game 7 against the Cleveland Indians last November.
Theo Epstein should have seen this coming from miles away. His manager has inflicted more harm than good onto the defending champs this season. Through constantly tinkering the lineup, along with making head-scratching substitutions seemingly every game, this is Maddon at his worst.
More from Chicago Cubs
- Juan Soto appears headed to the Yankees which is not a big blow Chicago Cubs offseason
- Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
- The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
- Chicago Cubs Rumors: latest on Bellinger, Chapman, and Hoskins
- National insider takes Chicago Cubs out of Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes
A manager who would rather have his players play “Maddon-ball”, rather than just playing baseball.
What is “Maddon-ball”, exactly? It’s simply losing games that should be won. Thanks to a stubborn manager, who’s stuck in his own ways.
How many times can Cubs fans stomach watching Maddon disrupt his team’s chances at winning?
When the Cubs win nowadays, it’s in spite of Maddon. The long-ball comes to life, or a starter pitches a gem, the way he’s capable of.
When they lose though, it’s often because the bullpen blows a late-inning lead, or the offense fails to drive in runs. Because Maddon, unfortunately, is pushing all the buttons throughout the game.
Fans of Maddon’s coaching tactics may argue that injuries across the roster have been the main catalyst in the Cubs’ ongoing struggles.
Plenty of playoff contenders, much like the Cubs though, have suffered serious injuries to star players during various points this season. The Houston Astros, Washington Nationals, and Los Angeles Dodgers all come to mind. Yet, all three of those teams have hardly missed a beat for the most part without their cornerstone players being available.
If the Cubs end up blowing their division lead down the stretch and fail to make the playoffs, all the blame should fall on Maddon rather than on his players. For, as a manager, it’s Maddon’s job to put his players in the best positions to succeed every game.
Related Story: Chicago Cubs: Will the home runs come in the postseason?
So far, Maddon hasn’t been doing this very efficiently. If that continues to be the case moving forward, maybe, just maybe, his job security will take a major hit this offseason.