Joe Maddon new Cubs manager!

Sounds very quick to me,like he knew? 

I'm just glad he is in the National League.

As a long time Cubs fan this is great news.  Theo has done a remarkable job in transforming this whole organization and while they haven't accomplished anything (yet) there is at least a future.  He inherited some nasty contracts and some guys at the MLB level who couldn't get it done.  He traded them away and got some great prospects in return for them.  Amazing job.

Don't be surprised if Jon Lester is wearing Cub blue and red next season.

Pretty straightforward deal I think.....

Maddon had an opt out so I am thinking his agent made a few phone calls while Joe went fishing or something.  When Joe came back agent said 'Cubs for $xmm and Joe told the Rays good bye.  World Series ends and viola!  Joe has a new job.

I'd guess more money for Joe, big wallet for the club and deep farm system.  So it is the Rays job 10 years ago with better infrastructure. 

Here's the thing...if Epstein and Maddon actually do the truly impossible and win a World Series with the Cubs...is Epstein not the greatest GM in history by presiding over the end of the Red Sox AND Cub curses?

He would be the greatest GM at lifting curses...kind of a "gmorcist" (GM Exorcist). 

And Maddon was in Tampa Bay when they took "Devil" out of their team name "Devil Rays"....didn't he?  Just sayin. 

Am I missing something. This thread seems to be progressing as if Maddon took the Cubs job. If so, someone may want to let Renteris know. Last I heard there were a few media reports that a deal was being discussed, but that's it, isn't it?

No, it is not official but has all the appearance of only a matter of time. 

It is easy to see why there is optimism.  However, the Cubs have finished last in their division each of the past 5 years.  Still nice to see all those young prospects they have.

http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb...chicago-cubs-manager

As a Cardinals fan, I think this will speed up the Cubs improvement process by a couple years.  There is no doubt the Cubs have some very talented position players.  As it stands right now, though, no true pitching prospects.  If ownership/management springs for FA pitching help, AND it works out, Cubs could challenge for the division next year with Cards and Pirates.  

I look forward to seeing how this plays out.  The Cubs have taken an opposite track of the Cardinals and Giants in player development, opting for premium position players instead of lots of young, power pitching.  The Cardinals and Giants have obviously been successful in adding FA position players to fill needs while riding (mostly) homegrown pitching.  It will change current conventional wisdom, IF, the Cubs are able to do the opposite approach with adding via trade or free agency, the pitching they so desparately need.  Of course, Maddon may have some influence on Mr. Price being a small bear in the near future.  That would go a long way on getting things turned around on the north side.

They did play about 500 ball over the last 100 games last year.  With the right player or two added this offseason 80+ wins is very realistic there.  Once you get to that all it takes is a few breaks to be playing October baseball.  Giants won 88 this season.  From a .500 club that is about 1 extra win a month. 

As a Mets fan I am watching what they are doing and wondering when my guys will finally realize that is the way to do business.

Epstein excels at developing young players and assessing the remaining value of veterans. What he needs to prove is he can assess and assign a proper value to free agents. His high end free agent record is not good He also got played by Cashman a couple of times and signed players for more than necessary. 

But yes, on the surface winning with the Red Sox and Cubs would obscure the details and bring him a lot of adulation. Signing Lester and/or Scherzer and havng them succeed on the path to a championship would obscure the past free agent history. 

I guess for selfish reasons, I was hoping that Rick Renteria, who happens to live in my hometown, would get an opportunity to turn things around for the Cubs.  They have some incredible young talent and will likely be in the playoff hunt in the very near future.

Don't get me wrong, I understand why Chicago would be pursuing Joe Maddon, he's arguably one of the five best Managers in the MLB.  Not to mention, he's the only coach in any major sport that I follow on twitter. 

http://twitter.com/MLB/status/528256759408754688

I really wanted him for the Braves.  I think the Braves have made a big mistake sticking with Fredi Gonzalez.  Seems like a nice enough guy, but he isn't getting it done.  The League better look out, because with all the young talent the Cubs have stockpiled, plus Joe Maddon...

Will the usher move to Chicago too?

http://www.tampabay.com/featur...e-fools-fans/1126502

He was our usher the first time we went to Trop while down in Tampa area on vacation!