Chicago Cubs: Theo Epstein’s comments don’t bode well for Joe Maddon

In Chicago Cubs Theo Epstein’s weekly interview, he was very candid about the team’s performance. While he didn’t directly blame the manager, he implied some things he didn’t like about Joe Maddon.

The Chicago Cubs Theo Epstein said he is frustrated by the performance and that there is “no excuse for how we are playing.” He states that the Cubs just simply aren’t getting it done this year. In the 19-minute interview, he was very candid, calling the Cubs uninspired and underachieving. He also mentioned the leadoff spot, and that he is “embarrassed” by the numbers out of the leadoff spot.

Now, part of this can be pinned on Epstein for making the roster, and some can be pinned on Maddon for not maximizing the talent he’s been given. Currently, the Cubs have the worst on-base percentage out of the leadoff spot in the Major Leagues. Maddon has led off Daniel Descalso and Albert Almora at points during the season, Descalso has virtually disappeared, and Almora has an on-base percentage of under .300 and has a wRC+ of just 66.

Personally, I think this is Epstein taking veiled shots at Maddon. There was no secret that Maddon had to take the Cubs on a run to keep his job, but based on the interview today it feels like Epstein has had his mind made up for a while now about Maddon’s fate.

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It’s easy to paint Maddon as a scapegoat for Epstein’s mistakes, which is fine, but look at the Yankees. They practically had a Triple-A lineup at one point this year, and they are STILL on pace to win 105 games, with some guys just coming out of nowhere. 27-year-old Mike Ford has a .841 OPS. Giancarlo Stanton has missed most of the season. Gary Sanchez was out for a period of time, as was Aaron Judge and Didi Gregorious. Gio Urshela has cranked 20 home runs.

Just because there are injuries or the roster doesn’t look optimal does not mean there aren’t good ways to use it, and Maddon hasn’t this year. Pulling his starters early, continually going to Pedro Strop when Strop clearly doesn’t have it, Steve Cishek has been pitched into the ground, etc.

This has been the formula for Maddon since he took over, and it’s worked, but sometimes things run their course. Maddon needs to adjust, and he hasn’t done that yet. His stubbornness may have cost him his job in the end.

My personal thinking is that Maddon is really okay if he’s not brought back. He just doesn’t seem to have the same fire he once had with the team, and maybe that’s rubbing off on the players. A “mutual parting of ways” couldn’t get more mutual than with Theo Epstein and Joe Maddon.