March 30--Joe Maddon used computers as early as the mid-1990s and loves using his iPad to read newspapers and listen to music.
But Maddon wondered if Major League Baseball's new policy that allows iPads in dugouts will provide information as quickly as the card he keeps in his back pocket during games.
"This might sound nuts to you, but it might slow down the process," Maddon said Wednesday. "Those things are wonderful to access information, but when you need it very quickly, you almost have to wait for artificial intelligence to take over where it moves at the speed of your thoughts."
Maddon said he feels comfortable about the information that is compiled by the Cubs' analytics department before games, with his personal additions added and input provided by coaches assigned to the opposing team's pitchers and batters.
That's a remarkable change from the days when Maddon would arrive at the park at 12:30 p.m. to compile information for a 5 p.m. planning meeting.
Maddon said he is not trying to "denigrate Apple," adding that he has an iPad Pro model.
"I just like my piece of paper in the dugout right now," Maddon said. "That's the old school component of me just bleeding right now."
Maddon said managers must be aware of trends prior to a game.
But, "if you're waiting for it to happen, you're way behind."
