April 02--This is definitely not your average Joe.
When Joe Maddon takes the top step of the Cubs' dugout at Wrigley Field this season, fans will be seeing a different kind of manager than the ones they have watched in the past.
Maddon uses shifts more often than most, shuffles the batting order on a near daily basis, doesn't mind putting his starter in the No. 8 hole and even has pondered using rotating starters in the No. 5 slot.
In other words, get ready for anything.
"Joe has an incredibly broad knowledge of baseball in every area," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia, who had Maddon as his bench coach for six years in Anaheim. "Not just touching on things. He really understands the game plan for a pitcher, understands everything that happens in every count, understands the offensive end, and is a great evaluator of talent.
"He's as good a people person as I've ever seen. When you put all those skills together. ... You knew Joe was a terrific leader, and once he got his chance he could make it happen. He showed that (with the Rays) and he'll show it in Chicago, too."
Judging from his style with the Rays, Maddon likes to go to his bullpen often and keep his starters fresh. The Rays ranked seventh in relief appearances (494) and innings pitched (509) in 2014. He also was early to employ defensive shifts, using advanced metrics on Red Sox slugger David Ortiz as far back as 2006 to try to thwart the notorious pull hitter. Last year the Rays were second in the majors in using shifts (824), so look for him to keep it up with the Cubs.
"I believe shifting happened because guys were pulling the ball more often," Maddon said. "(As) data and analytics becomes more progressive, suddenly you realize you're better off playing an extra guy over here.
"Now that organizations know that, you're going to see them teaching young hitters maybe in the minor league to stay inside the ball better and use the other side of the field."
The Cubs didn't fire Rick Renteria with two years left on his contract to get just anyone. They wanted someone who could mold young players, outsmart opposing managers and also create a buzz at the same time. The Rays went from 101 losses in Maddon's first year in '06 to the World Series in '08, and Maddon's reputation grew exponentially.
"Joe's biggest strength is getting guys to rally around each other and letting guys be themselves." said Tigers pitcher David Price, who played for Maddon on the Rays. "That'll be really important for (the Cubs), especially with the amount of young talent they have. That's something you want to have when you have young guys come up. You want them to be comfortable.
"Joe does a good job of making sure those guys are comfortable, and that will take them a long way. He's perfect for the job. The kind of team they have now, it's kind of the same situation he was in (with all the Rays') young talent."
The operative phrase for 2015 is "Don't blink."
psullivan@tribpub.com
