Joe Maddon Says He's Making A Big Change To His Managing Style In 2019

So, if you hate that Joe Maddon is always talking with the media, then you're in for a treat. Maddon heads into next year without a contract with the Cubs beyond 2019, and if it is his final season in Chicago he's at least going to try and change things up. Maddon spoke with Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times about several topics and one deals with the Cubs manager saying he's going to switch things up in 2019. I know the 2018 season came to a horrific end and that many Cubs fans want to put the blame on Maddon, but that offense wasn't dead in the second half because of him. Anyway, Theo Epstein has already squashed the rumors about any personal beef between him and Maddon and made it clear that he's happy with Joe as the manager. However, Epstein did say he expected Maddon to be re-energized in 2019, and I guess Maddon heard the message loud and clear. Via the Tampa Bay Times.

•  He plans a significant change for next year in his managing style with a shift to more on field coaching work, which is apparently tied to baseball ops president Theo Epstein saying he expects Maddon to be "re-energized" by the challenges after last season's disappointing finish. "That will be the part that will be  different," Maddon said. "I've always kind of stayed free of coaching because I really want to stay out of coaches' way so they can do their job. I've always felt that is the right way to do it. But this year I'm going to get a little more hands-on involved in actually coaching. I think that's where the comment came from. …. I actually want to do less before the game talking to the media and whatever and try to get on the field more often."

So, Maddon's going to be more hands-on. Cool. Maybe part of that thinking is because of the coaching changes for 2019, as Anthony Iapoce is the new hitting coach and the team still needs to hire a new pitching coach. Speaking of, Maddon said that Jim Hickey's departure from the club wasn't because of any health problems. The Cubs said Hickey stepped down as pitching coach because of personal reasons. Maddon also talked about not having a contract after 2019. He's a lame-duck manager, but he considers next season as more of a free agent year.

"Lame duck or free agent, are they synonymous terms? Players go into that year annually. Good players go into a season without a contract for the next year. Why would I feel any different as a manager than a good player does, a (Manny) Machado or a (Bryce) Harper, whatever. You could say "lame duck" or you could use "free agent." I think they are both the same term."

Maddon plans on managing after 2019. Will it still be with the Cubs? That is still unknown. Epstein said the front office will evaluate Maddon near the end or after the 2019 season.