Joe Maddon cites "sleep deprivation" for Cubs' slow start

By Sports Illustrated and SI Wire/Sports Illustrated
Published

Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon believes that the team's recent lack of sleep is part of the reason why the reigning World Series champions are off to a 17–17 start to the season.

"Sleep deprivation has a lot to do with it," Maddon said after the Cubs'  3–0 loss to the Rockies on Wednesday afternoon. "Right from the beginning of the year our schedule has been awkward. No one has had a chance to settle in."

The Cubs were part of the 18-inning game against the New York Yankees on Sunday night. Chicago tied the game in the ninth inning before losing and then having to travel to Denver for a road series against the Rockies.

The Cubs got out to a 25–6 start to last season.