I’m sure that Joe Maddon praises his players in person. Or with signs in the clubhouse. Or songs. Or penguins. He’s a cool dude.
But, by and large, we don’t get to see that praise. So consider me appreciative that, so far this Spring, Maddon has taken to the Twitters (contrast that with a certain former manager from whom we take “The Twitters” moniker) to dole out some player-specific love:
Our boys Respected 90 today…Montero and Soler high grades on Defense !! Bryant and Julius Szcur demonstrated backspin on a baseball…
— Joe Maddon (@CubsJoeMadd) March 7, 2015
love the aggressive baserunning…want our guys not afraid to make mistakes….fortune favors the bold ! Shall become contagious..
— Joe Maddon (@CubsJoeMadd) March 8, 2015
Play of the game…Kyle Schwarber making it to 3B on dropped fly ball to CF…respected 3 x's 90…loved it !
— Joe Maddon (@CubsJoeMadd) March 9, 2015
Here’s hoping Maddon keeps it up, not only for the fans’ benefit, but also because I reckon the players who are really into Twitter probably appreciate getting such a public slap on the back. Maddon is just a different kind of manager, in so many respects. As an observer, a fan, and a writer, I’m loving it.
And, since we’re talking about Maddon and Twitter, here are random, fun things:
Joe Maddon checks out his debut bobblehead for 6/13. Which promo items are you excited for? http://t.co/lX2mwqa9ye pic.twitter.com/IN2WioLh0U
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 9, 2015
The Cousin Eddie appropriately dressed ! pic.twitter.com/fEEaWRJggt
— Joe Maddon (@CubsJoeMadd) February 28, 2015
Another view of TCE… pic.twitter.com/Vc26DUiUUK
— Joe Maddon (@CubsJoeMadd) February 28, 2015