Emma: Joe Maddon Keeps Cubs Feeling Cool
By Chris Emma--
ST LOUIS, Mo. (CBS) -- A smile came across Dexter Fowler's face pregame on Saturday when he was asked a tough question.
What is it that makes Joe Maddon unique from other major league managers?
"I don't think there's any comparison, to be honest," Fowler said.
Maddon's antics have been well-documented throughout this memorable 2015 season. His overall approach has allowed the young Cubs to thrive, becoming a 97-win team in the regular season.
Now, ridiculous narratives have already ensued as Chicago has fallen behind 1-0 in the NLDS in St. Louis. Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo have struggled through two games, the Cubs have searched for more offense while the Cardinals have been -- well -- the Cardinals.
Yet, Maddon is just being himself -- exactly what the team needs.
"If you want to always live your life just based on the outcome, you're going to be fearful a lot," Maddon said before Saturday's Game 2.
"By the time I'm 80 (years old), 20 years from now, if I've just been worried about outcomes, I'm going to miss a lot."
Sure, fans will be worried -- which Maddon joked he encourages -- but none of it matters to the Cubs. The Cardinals were on the field three-and-a-half hours before first pitch on Saturday, methodically working on ground balls and stretching. Meanwhile, Maddon's Cubs were just arriving to the ballpark.
To each their own. St. Louis manager Mike Matheny is the first skipper in baseball history to reach the postseason in each of his first four seasons, but Maddon's way has proved to be successful, too.
"He lets us relax and have fun," Fowler said. "I think that's huge. He doesn't let us get uptight. He lets the veterans manage the clubhouse, and he goes out and manages the field."
In a sports world where "one day at a time" is viewed as cliche, such a concept is sincere to Maddon. He's only worried about Saturday's Game 2 -- how his lineup matches up against Cardinals lefty Jaime Garcia, a relative unknown -- and not panicking about what would happen if the Cubs fall behind 2-0 or how the city would react if the Cubs are bounced by their rivals.
Maddon simply doesn't care about outside noise or the pressures that have broken previous Cubs managers.
"I don't vibrate at that frequency," Maddon said.
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.
