Cubs manager Joe Maddon on Brewers and Cardinals: ‘I want them to be good’

The free agent market remains deep despite the Cubs’ moves that include the recent signing of marquee starter Yu Darvish.

And manager Joe Maddon isn’t concerned what moves the National League Central rival Brewers and Cardinals could make in their attempt to dethrone the Cubs.

“What I’ve taught myself over the years is it’s about what we do, the group we have, how we play and the method,” Maddon said. “That’s what is important. God bless them. They’re good. They’re already good. They’tre going to get better. That’s wonderful.”

Maddon learned from his nine seasons with the Rays that having the deepest resources doesn’t guarantee a division title, as evidenced by the challenge of competing against the Yankees and Red Sox annually.

“And we’ve talked about financial abilities or not, I’ve never ever concerned myself with that,” Maddon said. “It comes down to who is playing better baseball. And that’s putting the art back into the game, energy, enthusiasm, fundamentals and execution. You do that, you’re fine. I have a lot of faith that our guys will be able to do that.

“I want (the Brewers and Cardinals) to be good. I look forward to the competition. I think our guys do also.”

mgonzales@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @MDGonzales

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