When Joe Maddon responded to reporters’ questions about his future with the Cubs by saying he hoped to be around for “a couple more years at least,” it all seemed pretty innocuous. The topic had come up again in the wake of two more ugly road losses that have become the unfortunate hallmark of this Cubs team and that many believe could cost Maddon his job.
But while the manager’s answers were the furthest thing from inflammatory, they may have crossed a line the front office drew in the sand this offseason.