Dec. 08--After advancing to the National League Championship Series with a young nucleus returning, manager Joe Maddon welcomes the challenge of greater expectations.
"The point is everybody knows us now," Maddon said during his media session at the Winter Meetings. "Like I said, the target's bigger, whatever. They're going to study us even a little bit harder.
"The challenge is going to be difficult. However, once the first bomb falls, everybody becomes a veteran. At least these guys have that veteranship from last year, so they know how to react to moments a little bit better now. They're not going to get as wide-eyed or freaked out over an 0-for-7 or 0-for-8. So that's going to be beneficial."
Maddon believes the signing of John Lackey to a two-year, $32 million contract will make the Cubs more formidable in their quest to advance farther. Maddon was a coach with the Angels when Lackey reached the majors.
"I really believe that the particular kind of edge that John provides is really going to be helpful for us moving forward," said Maddon, adding that Lackey's Game 7 victory in the 2002 World Series with the Los Angeles Angels resulted in a playoff bonus large enough to play for his daughter Sarah's wedding.
"I like the idea of coming off the kind of year that we had to really add this kind of a personality to the group, I think, would really benefit us even more. Our veterans within the group are already spectacular, and now you add John Lackey. I couldn't be more excited."
Maddon likes that the addition of Lackey will give the Cubs a formidable threesome with NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester as well as an added edge.
"I love the edge," Maddon said. "Edge is good. I'm good with it. I know how supportive he is. He's a great teammate, how supportive he'll be with the entire group, but I also know that, when he plays, he's going to demand the guys are ready to play. I love it.
"I think he's good for us. He's almost like the perfect fit for us after the season we just had."
"You walk into a three-game series, and the other team calls for your pitching, and you say it's going to be Lester, Arrieta and Lackey. They don't like that."
Lackey will receive a $7 million bonus and salaries of $12.5 million in 2016 and 2017.
