The Rundown: Cubs Reportedly Close to Deal with Maddon, Offseason Begins, Roster Moves
A few hours before the start of Game 7 of the World Series, Jon Heyman reported that Joe Maddon would be the next Cubs manager. The timing was surprising, as we’ve been hearing an announcement would not come until the World Series concluded.
Soon after, members of the Chicago media stressed that a deal was not yet in place:
Cubs' source calls Maddon report "inaccurate." No word from Cubs or Maddon's agent.
— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) October 29, 2014
#Cubs say no deal yet with Maddon
— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) October 29, 2014
Source close to Maddon negotiations says CBS report is "not accurate" but all signs pointing toward him being next #Cubs manager.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) October 29, 2014
They all were quick to say, however, that it didn’t mean a deal wasn’t happening at some point.
So it sounds like Heyman jumped the gun a bit. And indeed, he seemed to partially backtrack in his article posted after the initial tweet, where Heyman says Maddon and the Cubs are “on the verge” of a deal.
Now that the World Series is over, we most likely can expect an official announcement to come at any time. Stay tuned.
It feels like the Maddon saga has been going on forever, but as little as a week ago, we didn’t even have a shred of doubt that Rick Renteria would be managing the Cubs next year. Now it looks like one of the best managers in the game will be taking over instead.
I still can’t quite believe it.
Giants win another World Series
Game 7 of the World Series came down to a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, with Madison Bumgarner continuing to deal while pitching on short rest. Seriously, Bumgarner was out-of-this-world this year in the playoffs. Does it get any better than that?
Then the Royals’ Alex Gordon stepped up to the plate with two outs.
Gordon ripped a hit into left-center that got past both outfielders — and then the ball was bobbled by Gregor Blanco! I was really thinking we were going to see a game-tying inside-the-park home run, but Gordon stayed put at third base.
The next batter, Salvador Perez, fouled out to end the game, giving the Giants the 3-2 victory. Man, if Gordon had rounded third, I can’t even imagine how exciting that play would have been — regardless of the outcome.
Great ending to a great 2014 playoffs. Let the offseason begin.
Roster moves
On Wednesday, the Cubs outrighted Josh Vitters, Ryan Kalish, Chris Valaika and James McDonald from the 40-man roster, according to multiple reports.
All four players cleared waivers. McDonald, who didn’t pitch at all in 2014 because of an injury, will become a free agent. The other three will be sent to Iowa.
The biggest name on the list is probably Vitters, a former first-round draft pick (third overall in 2007). It’s a shame he was never able to fully put it together.
The moves put the 40-man roster at 37; however, Ryan Sweeney and Justin Ruggiano are on the 60-day DL and will be reactivated soon. So that would put the roster at 39.
