Musician and longtime Cubs fan Eddie Vedder visited his favorite team last week, and several celebrities and one-game-a-year dignitaries are expected to descend on Sloan Park and Wrigley Field this season following the franchise's first World Series title since 1908.
But never did manager Joe Maddon seems as appreciative and delighted as when Arizona Cardinals assistant coach Tom Moore observed the Cubs' workout prior to Saturday's game against the Athletics.
Maddon is a fan of the Cardinals but seems just as thrilled to share wisdom from the likes of Moore, 78, and other professional coaches.
"I love the guy," said Maddon, who exchanged several text messages with Moore. "He loves this. He follows us. He’s asking questions about our guys already.
"And I’m asking Cardinals questions already."
Maddon said he met Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians at a restaurant last week and plans to meet Cardinals pass rush specialist coach Tom Pratt, 81, soon.
"I love when the football guys come out," Maddon said. "They like to talk. (Moore) always throws things at me, and I like it. He's been around a bit. He's inquisitive, and I enjoy the friendship."
Caption Jason Heyward on level of comfort with new swing, support from CubsCubs right fielder Jason Heyward discusses his comfort level with his new swing and the support from the organization on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward discusses his comfort level with his new swing and the support from the organization on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Jason Heyward on level of comfort with new swing, support from CubsCubs right fielder Jason Heyward discusses his comfort level with his new swing and the support from the organization on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward discusses his comfort level with his new swing and the support from the organization on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Mike Montgomery on his expected role with Cubs, first exhibition startCubs pitcher Mike Montgomery discusses his upcoming role with the team this season and reacts to his first exhibition outing in which he threw one scoreless inning on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs pitcher Mike Montgomery discusses his upcoming role with the team this season and reacts to his first exhibition outing in which he threw one scoreless inning on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Manager Joe Maddon on the Cubs' first games, at-bats and lineupsManager Joe Maddon talks about the Cubs' first games, at-bats and lineups. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Manager Joe Maddon talks about the Cubs' first games, at-bats and lineups. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer on Pedro Strop's contract extensionCubs general manager Jed Hoyer discusses the contract extension of reliever Pedro Strop on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer discusses the contract extension of reliever Pedro Strop on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Caption Joe Maddon on the Cubs' relay and bunt drillsCubs manager Joe Maddon discusses Jason Heyward's progress as well as the team's relay and bunt drills on Feb. 24, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Joe Maddon discusses Jason Heyward's progress as well as the team's relay and bunt drills on Feb. 24, 2017, in Mesa, Ariz. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)
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