Thanks for the article, Deeg...the authors do appropriately praise Joe for the key item:
"How a skipper manages his players’ egos and clubhouse chemistry is likely to be much more important than the fiddling he does with a lineup or the pitcher he calls on to get critical outs. And Maddon excels in those soft skills: He is famous for maintaining a relaxed, jovial clubhouse, and it shows in the outstanding performances of his players."
He may not be a great in-game manager, but Joe's record reflects that he manages the big picture in a LONG season REALLY well!