Empty bleachers could mean more java for Joe

MESA, Ariz. – The Wrigley Field bleachers won’t be ready until June?

Say it ain’t so, Joe.

Somebody start stocking up on the coffee and Red Bull for new manager Joe Maddon.

“I’m a horrible morning person,” Maddon said Monday when asked how he’s going to handle the higher number of day games than he’s used to. “I don’t know. I have to rearrange my mind. … I’ve always liked night games.”

What does that have to do with the bleachers?

“The one thing, the caveat, would be that when you’re playing at Wrigley Field, you’re going to see, regardless of the game, like 35,000, 40,000 people, right?” he said. “There’s an absolute energy about that I would think you would definitely draw from.”

Yeah, well, maybe not so much early in the season, considering the loudest, most energetic fans at Cubs games are most often the thousands in the bleachers – which will be completely empty for at least 15 home games and empty at least in right field for 28.

And that’s if there aren’t more construction delays at the ballpark.

“I’m going to have to figure out ways for me personally just to wake up mentally earlier in the day,” Maddon said.

“I’ve never been that morning dude. But I’m pretty good later in the day. Hopefully, when we get to the bullpen I should be OK.”