Chicago Cubs: Theo Epstein, Joe Maddon masterfully correcting mistakes

Mistakes on the part of both Theo Epstein and Joe Maddon have gone largely overlooked, thanks to both their responses and that of the Chicago Cubs.

When Pedro Strop came to the plate to bat for himself with the bases loaded and one out in the tenth last week, Chicago Cubs nation collectively threw their hands in the air to question their skipper’s decision.

Needless to say, Joe Maddon’s out-of-the-box thinking did not work. It cost them their backup closer for at least two weeks in the midst of a tight pennant race, while they were already short-handed in the back-end of their bullpen.

When Strop came up lame after trying to leg out an inning-ending double play, it was the worst possible scenario. The Cubs were already without opening day closer Brandon Morrow. After Strop, the Cubs lacked a clear successor to take over the role.

That’s where Maddon becomes a weapon in the Cubs dugout. While it was his own mistake that put him in this position, there is no manager better suited to get the most out of a depleted bullpen.

Chicago Cubs: Relying on unlikely contributors

In the immediate aftermath of Strop’s injury, the Cubs bullpen compiled 13 2/3 shutout innings before Allen Webster allowed a pair of runs late Wednesday. They’ve done so largely without having to use their four best arms, Justin Wilson, Steve Cishek, Jesse Chavez and a struggling Carl Edwards Jr..

The starting pitching has been excellent throughout that stretch, but its worth noting that Maddon has been able to get quality innings from Jorge De La Rosa, Dillon Maples, Alec Mills and Jaime Garcia.

Throughout Maddon’s tenure in Chicago he has been able to mix and match with his bullpen better than anybody. Regardless of the weapons he has, he always seems to get success out of his bullpen.

Chicago Cubs: Murphy boosting the lineup

While Daniel Murphy may not be has impactful as Hamels thus far, his contributions have certainly been felt. He has provided stability to the top of the Cubs lineup, and gives the Cubs a high-contact guy which has proven valuable for a team that strikes out a lot.

Murphy is also a seasoned veteran who has had a lot of success in the playoffs. This is a guy perfectly capable of putting an offense on his shoulders, especially come October. Despite a recent slump, don’t sleep on this guy.

Both Epstein and Maddon have messed up to varying degrees in 2018, but it’s how they have responded to those mistakes that will determine how they’re viewed at the end of October.