What The Cubs Need is a Shot of Joe
The Chicago Cubs have started the interview process to replace Joe Maddon. Wednesday night former Yankees Skipper and Chicago native Joe Girardi was seen leaving Wrigley FIeld. Accoding to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Sun-Times, the interview lasted 8 hours (all-day). Joe won a World Series with the Yankees and is accustomed to pressure situations. He would be a perfect choice.
But the Cubs may also look at another Joe, Houston Astro’s bench coach Joe Espada. Espada, who is involved in the MLB playoffs at this moment against the Yankees. Espada has been around the Astros for some time after spending time with the Marlins, Yankees (under Joe Girardi), and the Astros. The Cubs will have to ask permission from the Astros organization, and/or likely will have to wait until their postseason run concludes to interview Espada. Cubbies Crib did a great article on Espada’s credentials. Check that out here.
On Thursday former Cubs catcher turned ESPN analyst David Ross was interviewed. Las Vegas odds makers have him listed as the favorite to get the job. Everyone loves David Ross, But I ask you Cub fans, Is this really who you want to replace legendary manager and proven winner Joe Maddon? He was asked by the Cubs to help around spring training and is listed as an adviser to the Cubs but doesn’t have any coaching let alone managing experience. To me hire one of the Joe’s and put Ross in as your bench coach to learn.
The Cubs have also interviewed bench coach Mark Loretta and first base coach Will Venable, but to me why hire someone that’s already there if if wasn’t working. Why not just re-hire Joe Maddon? You need an outside voice. Someone to give a different perspective on things. Someone to get the players running out ground balls, not fall asleep on the bases, etc. What the Cubs need is a Shot of Joe. Either one!
