Chicago Cubs: David Ross defends Joe Maddon, is noncommittal on future

David Ross recently defended Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon, while emphasizing it would take a special opportunity to bring him back to a dugout.

With potentially mere days left in the Joe Maddon era, rumors are running rampant when it comes to the future of the Chicago Cubs skipper. Most signs seem to point to his departure at season’s end, when his initial five-year deal expires.

The three-time Manager of the Year recently expressed optimism regarding the future, but after missing the postseason for the first time since 2014, change may very well be afoot on the North Side. Whether or not Chicago retains Maddon, it’s unlikely the 65-year-old skipper goes unemployed for very long, with multiple clubs reportedly interested in his services.

One of the most popular names being tossed around should Theo Epstein move on from his manager is one of Maddon’s former players, David Ross. Of course, he played an integral role in helping bring a championship to Chicago – and won another World Series in Boston earlier in his career.

Ross, who retired at the conclusion of the 2016 season after being carried off Progressive Field on the shoulders of his Cubs teammates, sat down earlier this week with Mark Carman to talk about the rumors.