Is it time for a family reunion at the Friendly Confines?

Mar 9, 2012; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers special assistant

(middle right) sits next to his brother pitching coach

(middle left) during the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Two years ago Texas Rangers’ pitching coach Mike Maddux interviewed for the Chicago Cubs managerial opening. Unfortunately, family issues arose, and he had to step back from the selection process that eventually chose Dale Sveum to man the helm.

Numerous reports have surfaced that Maddux is “more interested” than when he was in the running in 2011 and that moving his family out of Texas “isn’t as big of a concern” now.

Reports also indicate that Yankees manager Joe Girardi has received a formal contract offer and a decision is expected within the next few days.

New York has not allowed, and has no plans to allow other teams to speak to Girardi before his contract expires on November 1.

Should Girardi agree to stay in New York for another three years, which is the rumored offer on the table, the Cubs will have to find alternatives to manage a club that is coming off its second consecutive 95-plus loss season.

Mike Maddux could be that man.

Maddux, who lacks any managerial experience, has been a major part of the Rangers’ recent success, helping to develop an array of pitchers during is tenure in Texas, which began in 2008. During that time, the Rangers’ pitching staff has ranked in the top five of the league leaders in several statistical categories.

His brother, former Cubs pitcher and future Hall of Famer, Greg Maddux has been working in Texas as a special assistant and could join his brother in Chicago; perhaps filling the role of pitching coach.

Greg spent several seasons during his career with Chicago, including a Cy Young Award campaign. Following his retirement as a player in 2008, he spent time working for the Cubs organization under former general manager Jim Hendry, which will help him have at least a working knowledge of the franchise. Since that time, he joined his brother in Texas, working as a special assistant to GM Jon Daniels.

The future hangs in the balance for the Cubs’ hopes of landing Girardi. Should things head south, the Maddux situation offers an intriguing proposition for a franchise that has seemingly forgotten how to win of late. Could the Maddux brother duo revitalize a team and a fan base that has grown increasingly disparate of late?