Chicago Cubs: Joe Maddon is the only man to manage this ball club

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CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 10: Manager Joe Maddon of the Chicago Cubs looks on before game four of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field on October 10, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

With two years left on his five-year contract, Joe Maddon has accomplished a great deal. And, moving forward, he remains the man for the job.

Despite bringing an elusive World Series championship to the North Side, Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon gets little credit from a great many people. Once the confetti settled on the 2016 campaign, everyone grilled Maddon over his use of Aroldis Chapman in the Fall Classic.

And, don’t get me wrong, it was odd – especially letting him throw 20 pitches in a blowout Game 6 win in Cleveland. But Maddon justified it, pointing out that if anything went wrong there, we never see the deciding Game 7 and he’d have gotten lit up for not having his best reliever on the mound to close it out.

This year, the Cubs languished for much of the first half. The club never seemed to hit its stride before the All-Star Break, but caught fire down the stretch, putting up a .662 winning percentage in the second half. That, of course, culminated in. a second consecutive National League Central crown and third-straight League Championship Series appearance.

But as Chicago ran into the buzzsaw that was the Los Angeles Dodgers, Maddon drew criticism once again. After seemingly endorsing his coaching staff for their performance, the Cubs promptly dismissed three coaches, including hitting coach John Mallee and pitching coach Chris Bosio.

Heading into 2018, where do things stand with Maddon? Is he ready for a decade-plus run at Wrigley is the clock ticking for the 64-year-old Chicago skipper?

CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 18: Manager Joe Maddon of the Chicago Cubs speaks to the media after beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2 in game four of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 18, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs looking to play energized baseball this year

After a year where a ‘World Series hangover’ ran into mid-summer, Maddon is focusing on energy and enthusiasm with his club in 2018.

“The two most important items all summer will be energy and enthusiasm,” Maddon told MLB.com. “We’ve been [to the postseason] three years in a row, right? We’re pretty good, we have good guys coming back, we acquired some good guys [for 2018]. If you show up with energy and enthusiasm every day — they’ll do their work, they’ll study, do the video — what else could I possibly ask them to do? If you show up with the right mental attitude every day, that’s when all that stuff really kicks in. If I’m going to make an emphasis on anything, it’ll be that.”

Chicago is certainly capable. In all my years watching baseball, one team stands out in the energy/enthusiasm regard: the 2016 Cubs. Those guys loved playing the game – and winning – every single day. Last year, the love was there, but the energy lacked in big ways, at times.

Clubhouse connections

And, to be frank, I trust Maddon to re-light that fire. He’s shown an outstanding ability to get the most out of his players – even from his pre-Cubs days. With Tampa, he fielded a low-payroll team, yet annually, they were contenders in the AL East.

Despite their recent run of success, Chicago is still an incredibly youthful team. Guys like Anthony Rizzo and Jon Lester are the clear leaders in the clubhouse and they’ll lead in their own respective ways. But, as always, it comes down to Maddon setting the tone – and making sure his guys are ready to go.

PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 11: Manager Joe Maddon #70 of the Chicago Cubs in the dugout during the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on August 11, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs, Joe Maddon not worried about contract talks

Last season, Maddon’s Cubs spelled doom for former Chicago skipper Dusty Baker. After an incredible Game 5 loss at home, Washington fired Baker, who led the team to back-to-back division crowns and 90-plus win seasons.

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In today’s game, making the postseason isn’t enough. At least not for these large-market franchises. And even on the North Side, we’re seeing this play out. After winning it all in 2016, people we furious after the Dodgers knocked out the Cubs in prompt fashion. More than a few called for Maddon’s head.

Ridiculous.

Absolutely ridiculous.

Heading into year four of his five-year contract, Maddon isn’t worried about all the talk. Or the lack of contract extension chatter between himself and Theo Epstein. He cares about one thing: winning.

PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 05: Kris Bryant #17 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates with Joe Maddon #70 after scoring on a two RBI single in the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on September 5, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs record books already have a lot of Maddon

Control the controllable. That encapsulates a lot of what Joe Maddon preaches in Chicago. And, to be honest, it seems he practices what he preaches.

“Really, sincerely, I don’t worry about stuff like that,” Maddon said. “I believe if we take care of our own business properly, that’s the kind of stuff that takes care of itself. I’ve always relied on that thought. So I’m not concerned about that. I am a Cub right now. And I want to be a Cub for many years to come.”

Taking a Chance

This man has had an impact on the Cubs organization comparable to Epstein himself. With a 292-193 record in Chicago – Maddon is on the brink of history. With a fourth postseason appearance in 2018, he’ll tie Frank Chance for the most in franchise history. The only Cubs skipper with more titles than Maddon? Chance.

The eccentric Chicago manager already boasts the most postseason wins (19) in Cubs history (he also has the most losses with 17). He’s written himself into the history books and – just three years into his tenure – might be the most important man to ever lead this storied franchise.

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So let’s stow the chatter about moving on. Joe is our guy. And, at this point, that’s an irrefutable fact.

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Chicago Cubs: Joe Maddon is the only man to manage this team