On Monday, the Cubs announced the signing of Greg Maddux.  No longer for his crafty pitching but for his great mind of the game.

Maddux will join the Cubs in 2010 as assistant to the general manager Jim Hendry.  During spring training Maddux will work with the coaching staff on in instruction for major and minor league pitchers.

Also announced this off-season was that former Chicago Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg, and now minor league manager for the previous three seasons, will be making another step closer to the majors.  Sandberg first managed the Cubs single-A affiliate for two seasons before being promoted to double-A manager for the 2009 season.  Sandberg has been promoted again, and will manager the triple-A affiliate Iowa Cubs in 2010.

So what does this mean for the future Cubs coaching staff?

Lou Pinella originally signed a three year deal with the ball club in 2006 and was to retire after the last season.  Lou decided not to retire though, and will remain with the Cubs for at least one more season.  He has also stated that Sandberg would be in the mix as his replacement.

Now that Sandberg is only one step from the big leagues, he may receive his call up as a manager after next season.

And who may he look to as a pitching coach?  Why not a former Cy Young winner, future Hall of Famer, and also a former Cubbie like himself?