Last WGN broadcast today... I grew up in PA and got to watch the Cubs every day because of WGN. I remember getting home from school just in time to see Kerry Wood have his 20k game like it was yesterday.
Maddon just wants to get fired at this point. Why does he keep trotting out Kimbrel in any leverage situation. He shouldn't even be throwing in close games.
We died yesterday. Today was just double-checking. We have that killer instinct to fold. Can't teach that.
If you guys get a chance to see Rizzo’s instagram photo of his foot from the injury it’s nasty. That man is a warrior to come back and try to play on that. really looking forward to the offseason and the changes coming.
No activity when we announce Joe is done is weird even if we finished like shit. He's handled today with class and I'll always have a fondness for him. Especially since he didn't try to reign-in Javy.
Joe was amazing. Groomed a super talented but young squad into world champions. Given the added pressure of a “curse” he accomplished something not only us but our parents parents could dream of. I think it was time for a change. A new voice to now a mature roster who has a ton of respect for Joe. But obviously two years in a row with very disappointing results. I hope we truly fix the roster for the next manager. I wouldn’t mind Ross as the choice because he’s got a bond with the core of this roster and seems to know his shit when you listen to him on broadcast. Either way pressure is squarely on Hoyer and Theo to get this team retooled and ready to win a championship. I’m sure Joe will find a spot quickly if that’s what he wants to do. He’s one of the best in the business no question. Maybe staying in Chicago to manage the south side club would be cool.
I can't imagine Girardi. He'd be both both expensive and less easy to influence by the front office. In other words, the exact reasons why they moved on from Maddon.
Winning championships is difficult, but if we don’t see some progress in Y1 or Y2 with a new manager, we need to discuss Theo and Hoyer and the impact of Ricketts to maneuver. This core has all the talent with semi-good results, but should have been more doninant.
Theo's contract is done in a couple years, no? I'd bet he moves on at that point. 10 years is a long time
talk to me about joe maddon. if you can remember the good ol' days when things were better, what was he good about? what frustrated you?
Best at taking pressure off others, which is exactly what we needed to win it all. His in game decisions and lineups were sometimes puzzling.
I'll start with the bad... He's not very trusting of his bullpen. Because of that he often mismanages them and over works guys early in the year. Leading to them tiring out and being less effective as the season goes on. He has a quick pull on starters as well. Many times you would think a starter could give another inning and he would pull them. Most of that is based on his view on analytics. Outside of that he's amazing with the players and in the media. Players love the guy. He does a nice job of putting a good staff in place. He allows the guys to be themselves and doesn't force them to be a "traditional ball player". Really good with young players and roster in general.
am i crazy to think David Ross could be really good? catchers as managers are the best position player to understand lineups as well as pitching staffs
Ross, Dave Martinez would be good options. Both guys know the roster and have built relationships with the core group. I think that’s an important factor when letting go a manager who is largely loved by the roster.
Looks like your brother is going to get a crack to make the roster next season. Looked good in rehab a bit short but still good.
He used to do a lot of radio here and writes for the Daily Herald (paper that covers the W/NW burbs). He often goes out of his way to give the impression that he and Maddux are BFF.
How time changes an opinion. I would’ve loved him as our manager 5 years ago. Now I’m not so sure on him.
Not sure why people are so high on Ross. No experience, not a great player and didn't even play a full year worth of games for the Cubs.
Great news everyone! After only 17 years on the waiting list, my number has finally been called for Cubs season tickets!
Could have purchased in 2010, but wasn't ready to move to Chicago or deal with headache of secondary market for a few years. Wish I would have.
I’m fine with the Ross hire. He’s very much respected by the core members of this roster. He also has a fantastic relationship with the front office. Time to work on this roster...