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Maddon’s philosophy tested by cold Cubs bats
- Updated: October 17, 2016
CHICAGO — Somewhere on a bookshelf at his home, Joe Maddon has Malcolm Gladwell’s 2005 best-seller, “Blink.” He was reading it at about the same time Andrew Friedman offered him his first chance to manage in the Major Leagues, with Tampa Bay in 2006.
The sub-title of the book is “The Power of Thinking Without Thinking,” and the message is not to overthink a situation. Instead, after you’ve studied a topic, trust your first thoughts. He’s a big believer in that philosophy, as well as the need to build confidence in young players.
Game Date Time Matchup TV/Highlights Gm 1 Oct. 15 CHC 8, LAD 4 Gm 2 Oct. 16 LAD 1, CHC 0 Gm 3 Oct. 18 8 p.m. CHC @ LAD FS1 Gm 4 Oct. 19 8 p.m. CHC @ LAD FS1 Gm 5 Oct. 20 8 p.m. CHC @ LAD FS1 *Gm 6 Oct. 22 TBD LAD @ CHC FS1 *Gm 7 Oct. 23 TBD LAD @ CHC FS1 * If necessary | All times listed ET • NLCS coverageShop for postseason gear: Cubs | Dodgers
• NLCS Game 3: Tuesday night at 8 ET/7 CT on FS1
Based on that and what Maddon said following Sunday night’s 1-0 loss to Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series, you probably shouldn’t expect drastic changes when the series resumes on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium.
Two of the Cubs’ most important hitters, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and second-year shortstop Addison Russell, have gone a combined 2-for-45 thus far in the six postseason games. Yet, Chicago remains in relatively good shape.
The Cubs are tied with the Dodgers at a game apiece with a trio of strong starters (Jake Arrieta, John Lackey and Jon Lester) set to go in the next three games. It would be surprising if Maddon made drastic changes just because the club’s .193 postseason batting average is the lowest of the four teams still playing.
“No, you got to continue to play through the bad lie,” Maddon said. “That’s just … it is what it is. You stay with your guys. Dodgers have good pitching; Cubs have good pitching. I’m sure they’re saying the same thing about some of their guys right now, too.”
Rizzo, an NL Most Valuable …
