Maddon relishes reuniting with closer Davis

December 19th, 2016

CHICAGO -- Manager Joe Maddon is excited about the prospect of being reunited with , who will be the Cubs' closer in 2017.
"This guy knows how to pitch," Maddon said of the right-hander during an interview Monday on MLB Network's "Hot Stove."
"It's not just about throwing one pitch and trying to blow people away," Maddon said of Davis. "He's got a great slider, a cutter that he came up with, and I love his curveball, and he knows how to compete on both sides of the plate."

Davis, who was acquired from Kansas City in exchange for outfielder , will replace as Chicago's closer. Chapman, added in July from the Yankees, was a key piece for the Cubs in the postseason, helping them win the World Series.
"Having [Davis] at the end of our bullpen will make it very stern once again," Maddon said. "He's well. He's well -- there's no concerns going into the season. I'm really excited. I've had a great relationship with him and he's going to make us a really good bullpen again this year."
Maddon and Davis were together with Tampa Bay from 2009-12, although the right-hander was a starter in the first three seasons, then converted to a reliever in 2012.
Davis was on the disabled list twice in 2016 because of a right forearm strain. In 45 games this past season, he posted a 1.87 ERA and was successful in 27 of 30 opportunities.
Davis is one of a few new faces projected for the Cubs' bullpen, joining , and .