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World Series 2016: 5 reasons the Cubs win it

By Joshua Sadlock

Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; The Chicago Cubs celebrate defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Cubs win 5-0 to advance to the World Series. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; The Chicago Cubs celebrate defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Cubs win 5-0 to advance to the World Series. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) walks on the field during work out day prior to the start of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) walks on the field during work out day prior to the start of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Joe Maddon out-manages Terry Francona

Terry Francona has been praised effusively in this postseason for his willingness to use Andrew Miller as early as the fifth inning. Tito has been down this road before, and has won a World Series title with the Boston Red Sox. Joe Maddon is still waiting on his first ring, but the fact that he was able to take the Tampa Bay Rays to the World Series should be worth at least two rings.

Watching Maddon manage the low-budget Rays was a treat, but as a baseball fan, you were always left wondering what he could do with a well-heeled, big-market franchise. In two years, the results have been nothing short of spectacular.

Maddon has toned down the antics from Tampa Bay slightly, but not by much. He is still the same old eccentric personality with a penchant for finding a way to get the most out of his players. Watching him work with the Cubs’ ridiculous depth this season has been a treat. Maddon has found a way to get the electric glove and bat of Javier Baez into the lineup every day, he has worked Kris Bryant and Ben Zobrist into left field, and he has found ways to shield last year’s big free-agent acquisition Jason Heyward from criticism as he struggles in the first year of his deal.

Maddon was made for the big stage of the World Series, and baseball fans everywhere have been blessed with his presence in a bigger market. This is no longer a team or fanbase that believes in bad luck or curses. Joe Maddon has put that talk to bed once and for all.

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