DENVER -- When the Cubs used four outfielders against Reds slugger Joey Votto earlier this week, Cubs manager Joe Maddon did something rarely seen before in baseball.
But the idea itself isn't entirely new, according to Rockies manager Bud Black. When Black was the pitching coach with the 2002 Angels, he and Halos manager Mike Scioscia's staff -- which included Maddon -- discussed using four outfielders against Barry Bonds in the World Series.
"I don't think we did it," Black said. "But we did talk about it, I do remember that. Joe is very creative."
Despite the unique strategy deployed by Maddon, Votto doubled past first baseman Anthony Rizzo to the right-field corner. Black said the Cubs' outfield alignment could lead to more uncommon shifts in the future.
"There was a game in San Diego where we switched second base and third base based on where we thought the hitter was going to hit the ball," Black said. "You're going to see more of that within the next 10 years. I think you're gonna see your best corner outfielder move from left to right, those guys are gonna switch."
Worth noting
• Ryan Hanigan was scratched from Thursday's game with a stomach bug. Jonathan Lucroy filled in for Hanigan, starting a day game after a night game.