Not a cubs fan or hater. But I'm surprised to see the strong criticism of Maddon. The guy just managed them to a championship. He's got a record of good results. I've got great respect for Joe Maddon and am as happy for him as any of the others.
In my opinion, he managed them to the World Series, but the strong hitting by the Cubs and the weakened Cleveland pitching saved him in games 6 and 7.
In game 6, he brought in Chapman with a five-run lead in the seventh inning. That is really unprecedented timing for a closer with that kind of lead. Even if Lindor would have hit a 3-run home run off of Montgomery, the Cubs would still have 2-run lead. I think at that point, you could bring in Chapman if you're still feeling desparate.
In game 7, since he already used Chapman in game 6, and he needed a longer bridge to get to him, getting six or more innings out of Hendricks would have been ideal. Hendricks was pitching great, had a 5 - 1 lead, only 63 pitches thrown, and after walking one guy he took him out in favor of John Lester, who was on two days rest, doesn't like runners on base, and was told he would come in only to start a clean inning. It didn't take Lester long to bounce a 55 foot curveball into David Ross face, which scored two runs on a wild pitch. Cleveland was now back in the game. And since he brought Lester in early, he was forced to bring Chapman in early. Chapman gives up a double and a homerun, and now the entire series comes down to nearly a coin flip.
I always liked Joe Maddon, too. I think he manages players great. Not so sure he is the optimum decision maker during the game.
Great series, though, and Cubs earned the trophy in the end.
