At a Monday press conference, Joe Madden addressed the press for the first time as the Chicago Cubs’ new manager.
Maddon, who resigned as manager of the Tampa Bay Rays in October, signed a 5-year deal and immediately gained some new fans in his first public appearance with the new club.
Maddon praised both the Cubs’ player development system and the city of Chicago, citing both as the major reasons for wanting to join the team. Additionally he claimed that he thought the team could make an immediate turn around and make the playoffs in 2015. “I’m talking playoffs. I’m talking World Series. This year,” he told the press corps.
Known for his laid back demeanor, Maddon made some bold statements regarding the culture change he looks to bring to one of baseball’s most historic franchises.
Perhaps most importantly, he touched on life off of the diamond. A former scout, Maddon talked about how it is important for players — especially highly touted infield prospects Kris Bryant and Javier Baez– to have a life away from the stadium.
If the Cubby faithful weren’t totally sold on Maddon, his closing statement sealed the deal. Calling it the “Hazleton Way,” the new skipper bought everyone attending the press conference a shot and a beer.
P.S. I’m not sure if it was intentional, but Maddon’s flow proved a dead ringer for the Cubs’ iconic broadcaster Harry Caray.
Not bad, Joe. Not bad at all.