Rays’ Joe Maddon on Pujols, MVP and his strong feelings about Penn State
Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon joined the show to talk about winning Manager of the Year.
Maddon talked about some of his habits during a game. He said he only drinks green tea and water during a game. He said that he used dip and chewing tobacco in the past. Around 2000 he thought it was impacting his health. Maddon said he used paper towels as a substitute and he lost the urge in a few weeks.
Dan asked Maddon if they would go after Albert Pujols. He said he and his GM were talking about it, but the money might be a problem.
Dan asked Maddon if he’d give the MVP to Tigers pitcher Joe Maddon. Maddon said he’s seen how difficult it is to play guys like Robinson Cano and the Red Sox stars, so he’d go in that direction. “I’d vote for someone in the East because I know how devastating they are,” Maddon said.
Maddon, a Pennsylvania native, said that he’s been thinking about Penn State a lot. He’s from near there and has always been a big fan of the team and Joe Paterno.
“In the long term I think we’ll battle back from that,” Maddon said. “It’s going to take some time and a lot of accountability. Right now I think the entire state is hurting.”