Mike Maddux Withdraws Name From Red Sox Opening

Going into the week, Texas Rangers’ pitching coach Mike Maddux was the front-runner for both the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox managerial openings. Maddux was scheduled to interview with the Red Sox early this week, but the long-time pitching coach has decided to take his name out of the running to fill the Red Sox managerial vacancy. Maddux is scheduled to interview for the Cubs’ managerial position on Wednesday, and from all accounts, the interview is still on the schedule for both Maddux and the Cubs’ front office.

The speculation has already begun on why Maddux has withdrawn his name from the Red Sox opening, and not the Cubs’ opening. One obvious reason would be that Maddux feels confident about his chances of becoming the next Cubs’ manager, and out of respect for the Red Sox, wanted to let the organization know that they can continue their managerial search without them.

Maddux issued a statement tonight explaining why he decided to take his name out of consideration for the Red Sox managerial seat:

“My wife and two daughters are together in the same state for the first time in three years and words cannot describe my happiness,” Maddux said. “The game of baseball has many sacrifices but being apart from family is the toughest. I feel there is too much distance between the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Boston to see my family as much as I’d enjoy.“Again, I thank Ben Cherington and the Boston Red Sox for the flattery, honor, and compliment of considering me for their position.”Maddux told MLB.com that he had not canceled his scheduled interview with the Chicago Cubs, but he wanted to talk over the situation with his family on Monday night. ESPN Boston

Maddux’s statement has only fueled speculation that he is leading candidate to become the Cubs’ next manager, and could be on the inside track to landing the position. The reason Maddux states that he is not interested in being the Red Sox manager is because the distance between Boston and Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to too much. Alluding to the idea that Maddux wants to fly back home on occasion to spend time with his family. The difference between Chicago and Boston is the distance between Chicago and Dallas is nearly half of the distance between Boston and Dallas. Also, Dallas and Chicago are in the same time zone. Meaning that being the Cubs’ manager would be much more ideal for Maddux than being the Red Sox manager.

Maddux would be an ideal fit as manager for the Epstein/Hoyer regime. The Cubs’ front office plans to put the emphasis on building the team’s pitching staff, so with Maddux–who is one of the game’s best pitching coaches–in place as manager, he would be a good voice to have in the Cubs’ clubhouse. Not to mention that Maddux is highly touted and respected by every pitcher that he has coached. While it may not be a major attraction to the Cubs’ managerial position, it is worth noting that Maddux is familiar with the current Cubs’ hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo as the two spent the 2009 season together on the Rangers’ coaching staff.

Milwaukee Brewers’ hitting coach Dale Sveum interviewed with Cubs’ brass today, and with Maddux’s interview scheduled for Wednesday, the Cubs could decide on their next manager by the end of the week. Both Sveum and Maddux are believed to be the front-runners for the Cubs’ managerial seat.