It’s no secret the Cubs have their sights set on free-agent pitcher David Price.
Some feel the North Siders have the inside track because of Joe Maddon’s relationship with the left-handed ace in Tampa Bay.
Clearly, both are members of the mutual admiration club. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote in June:
He’s probably one of the best teammates I’ve ever been around, said Maddon, who wouldn’t speculate on how his relationship with Price might play in any free agent decision. Price called Maddon perfect for our team in Tampa. And it’s kind of the same way in Chicago right now. We were an extremely young team with a ton of talent. And he does a really good job of making sure everybody in the clubhouse is comfortable and loose and relaxed. If you have young guys, that’s really what you need.
It seems no matter where Price goes, he’s liked.
Brad Ausmus says "David Price is the best teamate of any pitcher I've known." Joe Maddon, Chris Archer agreed
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) November 16, 2015
Brad Ausmus managed Price in Detroit for parts of two seasons, and they didn’t always see eye to eye.
Price was 1-2 with the Blues Jays this postseason and is 2-7 overall with a 5.12 ERA.