Chicago Cubs poised to hoist plenty of hardware this season

Jul 8, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon makes a pitching change following the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Manager of the Year: Joe Maddon

Maddon has been nothing short of magnificent in his first season on the North Side.

On the brink of a 90-win season, baseball writers would be hard-pressed to find a manager more deserving of the National League honors than the Cubs skipper. Yes, there have been times when his decisions have backfired, but it can’t outweigh the amount of good he has done.

Maddon would tell you himself that you can’t be afraid to try things. If a steal attempt doesn’t work or a hit-and-run results in a double play so be it. The aggressiveness he has shown has trickled down the roster and the players know it.

Balancing the on-field strategy day to day while keeping a group of inexperienced players loose has been remarkable, and you really cannot overemphasize just how perfect a fit this has been between Maddon and Chicago.

Next: The blue-eyed miracle leads the charge