Where does Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon stand?

Chicago Cubs: Is “Cool Joe” too cool?

Maddon and Epstein approach the team’s struggles from very different angles. While Epstein tends to be blunter, Maddon has consistently had a “no panic” mentality. When the Cubs were only able to take two of four games from the San Diego Padres, Maddon told Patrick Mooney of The Athletic (subscription required) that he merely felt his guys were playing tight, rather than uninspired:

"“I could understand from watching on TV, or if you’re looking from a distance, anybody might interpret it that way,” Maddon said before Friday’s 17-8 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. “My biggest concern is that they were playing tight, so I think the interpretation for me is ‘apretado.’ Everybody’s playing a little bit too tight."

This is another area of criticism that has followed Maddon: he sometimes seems to lack a sense of urgency. That might not be the best credo to adopt considering that the Cubs are in danger of missing the playoffs.

Ultimately, the team’s performance down the stretch will determine Maddon’s fate, though he has had tremendous success with the Cubs. Maddon’s philosophical differences with Epstein and co. might mean that this is the end of the road.