Joe Maddon Claims Once Again Team Has Had No Conversations About Signing Craig Kimbrel
By Seth Carlson
When it comes to reports about the rumor mill, one manager would prefer to keep the noise to a maddening silence.
That would be Cubs manager Joe Maddon, who per ESPN's Jesse Rogers, claims that his team has not had any substantial conversations about free agent right-hander Craig Kimbrel to date.
"Have you had discussions with management about Craig Kimbrel?"
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) June 2, 2019
Maddon: "Zero."
"Would you tell us if you had?"
"I would. Easy to say zero because it's true."
These comments from Maddon came after Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported Saturday that the Cubs had upped their interest in the long time closer and active saves leader in MLB.
One might be able to see why the team is denying any connections to Kimbrel, as the team's 4.08 bullpen ERA is top-10 in baseball and fourth best in the National League. However, a ball-club seriously vying for a championship can never have too many late-inning relievers.
Craig Kimbrel is one of the best closers in MLB history. That doesn't mean signing him is an automatic move for the Cubs to make.
— NBC Sports Chicago (@NBCSChicago) June 1, 2019
More: https://t.co/21zxu8ZlYc
The Cubs currently sit just a half-game back in the NL Central standings, trailing only the Christian Yelich-led Milwaukee Brewers, so it's also easy to understand Maddon's comments through this context. If his team continues its high level of play, perhaps we've heard the last of these ongoing rumors.