MESA, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- Former Cubs manager Joe Maddon will have a reunion of sorts Monday afternoon.
Maddon will lead his Angels against the Cubs at Sloan Park. While it's an exhibition game, all parties involved know it will carry a little more meaning with admiration shared on both sides, given how much Maddon meant to the Cubs in managing them from 2015-'19 and leading them to a championship in 2016.
Maddon will also bring with his former Cubs third-base coach Brian Butterfield and strength and conditioning coach Tim Buss.
"It will be fun to see Joe, Bussy, Butter, all those former Cub friends," said right-hander Kyle Hendricks, who's set to start for the Cubs. "In baseball, guys are always moving around and we keep these relationships long past the time we play with or for someone."
Maddon was a more than just a manager to so many Cubs. He was a friend, mentor and confidante.
"Just to see him over there enjoying the managing role again will be fun," Cubs outfielder Ian Happ said. "Seeing the other guys like Bussy too will be great. Joe had a strong impact on my life personally, as did the other former Cub people he has with him. I am looking forward to it."
In reflecting, Happ noted how Maddon had the unique ability to keep it light and help his players keep perspective.
"Away from the field, we had a lot of common interests," Happ said. "We could always discuss those things with him as we would step away from baseball talk from time to time. It was really cool to share interests and be able to connect on a different level. He was always approachable and always there to lend a helping hand. What made him so unique and reliable was he loved to talk non-baseball stuff."
Maddon wasn't retained at season's end last September. He has been replaced by new Cubs manager David Ross. For Cubs players, there's a fine line to walk in respecting their new manager while still praising Maddon.
"It can be tough to compare both," "Hendricks said. "We really love what Rossy is bringing. That is where our focus is right now and all we want to talk about. Still, you can't forget what happened and what Joe did for us to get us to this position. He helped set those winning ways. It is a tough balance. It's nice to reminisce and pay tribute to what we did, but our focus is on right now."
Hendricks also knows this much is certain Monday: He's playing to win, even if it is just Cactus League play.
"One hundred percent, we will be trying to beat Joe and his team," Hendricks said. "That is just the nature of it."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
