Chicago Cubs: Joe Maddon is Cubs most successful manager

The Chicago Cubs are in the NLCS for the third consecutive season, but fans aren’t afraid to criticize the manager when something goes wrong.

292 wins. Three NLCS appearances. Two division titles. One World Series championship. The Chicago Cubs have achieved a great deal in Joe Maddon‘s three seasons at the helm. That is arguably the best three-season stretch the Cubs have had since 1906 to1908. There were no managers then. Thus, Joe Maddon is the most successful manager in Cubs history.

However, Cubs fans still find a myriad of reasons to blame Maddon for the team’s struggles and losses. I am firm believer that a team needs a solid manager to win a championship. It goes beyond just in-game decisions.

A good manager is one that knows how to lead the team and keep the guys loose and ready in the clubhouse. Maddon doesn’t throw his guys under the bus. He keeps a positive clubhouse vibe. That’s part of the reason why he’s a successful manager

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Maddon doesn’t play the game

As a fan, I believe we have the right to complain and criticize the team and management. There’s nothing wrong with that. But remember, Joe Maddon is NOT playing the game. The 25 guys on the roster are. They swing the bat, pitch, field and ultimately determine the outcome of the game. Not Joe. As a manager, Maddon is doing what he thinks is best for that situation. Is he always right? No, because he’s a human being. No manager is perfect.

It’s no secret that Maddon over-manages the bullpen sometimes. However, if the Cubs bullpen was able to get outs, he might not have to. Let’s begin with Game 2.

With the game tied in the ninth and the winning run in scoring position, Maddon brings in veteran John Lackey to get one more out. Lackey is not normally a bullpen guy and has never pitched back-to-back games in his career. Additionally, Justin Turner, one of the most clutch postseason hits in the game, looms on-deck. Lackey walked  the first batter he faced and then served up a three-run homer to Turner. Cubs lose 4-1.

Maddon is human.

Maddon is human. He’s going to make mistakes, but had Lackey gotten Turner out. Nobody would have been complaining. I agree that using Lackey was probably not the best option there. But again, Lackey is the one pitching, not Maddon.

Part of the reason for Maddon’s crazy use of the bullpen is the failure to get guys out. Although the Cubs’ starters have pitched well, they failed to get deep into games. On a nightly basis, the Cubs need four to five innings out the bullpen. Then, they struggle, so Maddon removes each reliever and brings in someone different – usually to the same effect.

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Obviously, the offense plays a big role too. If the offense was scoring more runs, this might not be a much of a problem either. Bottom line is Maddon doesn’t play the game. Sure, you can complain and criticize him in the moment. It’s not necessary to continue to criticize him on his Game 7 decisions in the World Series when we won.

It’s time to move on.