{
  "id": 9008723,
  "title": "'I love when Joey Votto opens his mouth' - Ex-Cubs manager Joe Maddon",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/i-love-when-joey-votto-opens-his-mouth-ex-cubs-manager-joe-maddon",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T21:11:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/love-joey-votto-opens-mouth-211145486.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto and ex-Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon discussed managing strategies against top hitters on MLB Network's Brian Kenny during an episode of MLB Now. The conversation revolved around Maddon's tactic of deploying four outfielders during a Votto at-bat at Wrigley Field in 2017, which resulted in Votto doubling to the first-base line. Maddon expressed his belief that altering the perceived field layout could introduce a new thought process for Votto at the plate and potentially lead to outs. Votto, however, admitted to being confused by Maddon's unconventional approach and noted that it disrupted his rhythm, causing him to swing poorly. Both men acknowledged Maddon's unique style of actively engaging in the game, often disrupting opposing players' routines.",
  "summary": "Former Reds great Joey Votto and former Cubs manager Joe Maddon spoke about what a manager does to try to get into the head of the opposing team.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/9008723.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Joey Votto approves of Barry Larkin's rant about Reds needing change",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/joey-votto-approves-of-barry-larkins-rant-about-reds-needing-change",
        "published": "2026-09-22T05:14:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}