Nov. 07--The process of familiarizing himself with the current coaching staff and players will continue into the winter for new Cubs manager Joe Maddon.
Maddon, who only two weeks ago opted out of the final year of his contract with the Rays, expressed his need to play catch-up during two radio interviews Thursday.
"I'm not really aware of a lot of the nuances of the organization," Maddon told WSCR-AM 670's Spiegel and Mannelly Show. "The National League, I love it. We played against it in interleague ball, but there's a lot of stuff I have to learn, and I need some help. Listen, I'm all about getting help and getting other people's opinions on things, so that's where we're at with all this stuff right now."
Maddon stressed the need to know the coaches and players so he can build relationships and trust with them, as well as members of the baseball operations department.
Pitching coach Chris Bosio and bullpen coach Lester Strode competed against Maddon when he worked in the Angels' organization. Maddon said he also spoke with bench coach Brandon Hyde.
However, there have been no declarations on the status of the staff members despite Maddon's familiarity with several coaches on a staff that has only one opening.
"We're just going through the whole process right now," Maddon said. "There's nothing to report, yes or no. Just trying to get to know one another.''
The lone exception could be assistant hitting coach Eric Hinske, who hit 20 home runs for Maddon in 2008 with the Rays.
"He's a wonderful guy, great teammate," Maddon said. "I'm looking forward to working with him."
When spring training starts, Maddon will discuss policies with the "Lead Bulls.''
"The guys I consider the leaders of the clubhouse and really talk over team policies with these guys because you need your leaders within the clubhouse to carry the message more than you need to go in the clubhouse to try to get your point across," Maddon said.
Maddon told the Carmen and Jurko Show on WMVP-AM 1000 that he tried to contact Rick Renteria, whom he replaced as manager though Renteria had two years left on his contract.
"That's the one part of this moment that was the most difficult for me, quite frankly," Maddon said. "So I really do hope to be able to speak with him in the near future and just have an honest, open conversation. I heard he's a great guy. I don't know him, but I'm looking forward to that conversation."
