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5 Takeaways From Chicago Cubs’ Hiring of Joe Maddon

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By @writered21

Takeaways From Chicago Cubs' Hiring of Joe Maddon

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For all the things the Chicago Cubs have gotten wrong over the years -- OK, decades -- the team has hit the jackpot if early reports stating the loveable losers are about to hire Joe Maddon as manager are correct. Maddon won in Tampa on a somewhat restricted payroll, beating the likes of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, including a World Series appearance. He is the veteran, sage leader the Cubs need, and one who will be successful.

5. The Cubs Will Be Relevant Nationally Again

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5. The Cubs Will Be Relevant Nationally Again

Draw
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While the Cubs have always been a high-profile team, the view of the franchise has really fallen off in recent years as Chicago has sunk to the bottom of an NL Central Division it ruled in the late 2000s. Maddon will not only improve Chicago's reputation by the team playing better, but Maddon is also very active on social media and as fan-friendly a manager as there is. That kind of PR will help the Cubs organization.

4. Maddon Should Draw Top Free Agents

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4. Maddon Should Draw Top Free Agents

Lester
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As far as we've seen, players enjoy playing for Maddon. Until this year when David Price was traded, the Rays were able to keep most of their talent, such as Evan Longoria, and you very rarely heard of unrest in the Tampa Bay clubhouse. Free agents, knowing the Cubs have money and a quality manager, should have the Cubs on their short list of teams to move to.

3. Maddon Will Be a Quality Manager for Cubs' Prospects

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3. Maddon Will Be a Quality Manager for Cubs' Prospects

Youth
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The 2015 season is going to be unlike any other in recent memory. All the work Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein have done to improve the farm system has come to fruition and prospects like Jorge Soler, Javier Baez, Arismendy Alcantara, Kyle Hendricks and Kris Bryant should feature in major roles next year. Maddon has been around the block and should be an excellent influence as that group and others navigate their first full MLB season.

2. The Cubs Will Make a Major Run at David Price

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2. The Cubs Will Make a Major Run at David Price

Price
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Price was dealt by Tampa Bay to Detroit this past season, and there hasn't been an indication yet as to whether the Tigers will try to sign him long-term. Price is a free agent after next season, and currently possesses an 86-51 record in his career with a 3.21 ERA. With Maddon in place, there's every reason to think the Cubs will be major players if Price hits the market in the offseason before 2016.

1. Maddon Brings Respect Back to the Cubs

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1. Maddon Brings Respect Back to the Cubs

Respect
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Maddon, if everything is finalized for him to be the next Cubs manager, shouldn't be expected to win the Central in 2015. Chicago has a lot of ground to make up on St. Louis and Pittsburgh. But he will bring the Cubs back to respectability. Even an 82-80 record would be a major step forward in Year 1. Given the young talent, likely veteran additions and Maddon, 2015 can be an exciting year.

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