The off season has only just began but the Cubs are well on their to having a big off season.  The signing of Joe Maddon is a huge one for the team.  If I had to guess I would say Maddon left due to Tampa’s unwillingness and inability to pay for and keep talent on the ball club.  If that really is the reason the cubs may be planning on having a monster off season and providing Maddon an already very talented manager with one of the better teams he’s had the ability to manage.
    
In Maddon’s years in Tampa Bay he was never given a talent stacked team but he never had a problem making the most of it and turning one of the worst franchises in baseball into a perennial contender.  After having a record under .500 during his first two seasons in Tampa Bay, Maddon then proceeded to record at least 90 wins in five of the next seven seasons.  Maddon even made it to one World Series in 2008, but he lost to the Phillies.  
    
While Maddon may not be a miracle worker, he finally stabilizes a managerial position that has been a rotating door since the departure of Lou Pinella.  His success in the powerful AL East should carry over well when he travels to the National League.  Even though the two leagues will require different strategies with the N.L. not having a designated hitter Maddon should be quick to adapt as he has proven himself to be a more than capable manger, who can take a team out of the cellar and to the top of the division.

While it may not happen in year one look for the Cubs to make turnaround very soon.  They are stacked with tons of young talent and finally appear to have the man who may be able to break the 100 year plus world Series drought.