Joe Maddon could win another World Series before the Chicago Cubs

Joe Maddon has his hands full as the new manager of the Los Angeles Angels. Can he work his magic and win another World Series before the Chicago Cubs?

In a move that no one is surprised about, Joe Maddon has agreed to a three-year, $12 million deal to manage the Los Angeles Angels. One of the reasons this should come as no surprise is the fact that Maddon got his start in baseball with the Angels, who initially hired him as a scout once he was done trying to play.

He worked his way up through the Angels minor league system as a coach and eventually became a coach on the big league level. He also took over as manager of the big league club on two separate occasions in interim roles in1996 and 1999, racking up a 27-24 record between the two stints. Going back just feels like “going home” or “coming full circle” for a guy who seems to appreciate symbolic meanings and circular thought.

The other reason this announcement should come as no surprise is the fact that Maddon is one of the best managers in the game, regardless of your personal feelings about his bullpen management, petting zoos and wine tasting.

While things didn’t work out with a fairy tale ending for Maddon and the Cubs, he was the right man at the right time, taking a perennial loser to heights they had never known in any of our lifetimes. Joe Maddon concluded his run as Chicago manager with a 471-339 record and his departure leaves the Chicago Cubs in a state of flux. For his part, he takes over an Angels team that has plenty of questions – with far fewer answers at their disposal.

All this naturally leads to the questions- which club will win a World Series first, which club is a better fit, and which club is better suited to Maddon’s specific skills and abilities?