I’ll admit as a life-long Cubs fan and season ticket holder I was very sad to see Joe Maddon not re signed as the Chicago Cubs manager. Five years ago the Cubs were coming off 3, 100-loss seasons. They needed someone to change the culture, someone to teach the Cubs how to win. Joe Maddon was that person. According to baseball reference, in 5 years here are the win totals with the Cubs: 97, 103, 92, 95, & 84. This year was the first the Cubs missed the post season, but only after a series of key injuries to Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, Wilson Contreres, Kris Bryant, Cole Hammels, and others.  But look at the Milwaukee Brewers and the loss of Chris Yellich. In September the Brewers went 19-7 without their MVP.

So let’s move on from Joe, and take a look at some possible candidates. Some of the names are internal candidates like current bench coach Mark Loretta, first base coach Will Venable, and third base coach and infield coach Brian Butterfield. But, if you’re going to keep one of the current coaches why not just re-sign Joe Maddon?

Other candidates being mentioned are former Cubs players Mark Derosa, Sam Fuld, and David Rossi. None have managerial experience. Former Yankees Manager Joe Girardi has also been speculated as a possible candidate. Then there’s other “not so famous” candidates mentioned like Joe Espada (current Houston Astros bench coach and former Joe Girardi assistant with the Yankees), Hensley Meulens (current Giants bench coach). Even St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach Mike Maddux has been mentioned as a candidate. CBS Sports has broke down a bunch of the candidates here.

I have a lot of trust in this regime. Personally, I’m hoping it’s someone no one is talking about and another Cubs gem picked by Theo & Jed. Either way, in the end Joe Maddon should have a statue outside Wrigley Field for his 5 magical years with the Cubs!

 

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