While everyone is focused on Joe Girardi, another prominent name is popping up in connection with the Chicago Cubs’ managerial search: Mike Maddux.
You may recall that the Rangers’ pitching coach was a candidate for the Cubs’ last opening, before pulling out of consideration at the last minute, citing family concerns. The Cubs opted for Dale Sveum, and Maddux returned to Texas. This time around, according to a reported from ESPN, Maddux is more willing to leave Texas to get a managerial gig.
Maddux, 52, has been a pitching coach since 2003, first with the Brewers and then the Rangers. Although he has no managerial experience, Theo Epstein’s enumerated criteria for the job didn’t explicitly require managerial experience. It is, however, something the Cubs say they’re looking for.
We’ll see if the Cubs wind up reaching out to Maddux, which they’ve not yet done, according to ESPN.
And, yes, I understand that you’re going to want to make some comment about Greg Maddux following his brother Mike to the Cubs in some capacity. Maybe he would. But keep in mind: Maddux first left the Cubs organization when Epstein and Co. took over. The dude potentially coming as the manager is the primary story here.