October 24, 2014
Maddon opts out...
Joe Maddon has unexpectedly exercised an opt-out clause with Tampa Bay and cancelled the remainder of his contract. One would have to imagine this comes as a direct result of Rays General Manager Andrew Friedman leaving for the Los Angeles Dodgers, as any intention to leave earlier would have resulted in Maddon being *the* top candidate for the several open Manager positions around baseball. The Rangers, Astros and Diamondbacks have already made manager selections; only the Minnesota Twins currently have an open position. There are, however, several managers on the hot seat after multiple playoff failures or disappointing seasons, which could open up the field a bit. While I doubt there will be any sudden, surprise moves (Mattingly would really be the only 'surprise' if he were fired, as the owners have already stated he'll be manager next year), it wouldn't shock me if a couple of guys thought to have safe jobs (Ausmus, Matheny or Williams) start getting "no-commented".
Interestingly, this also opens up a strong possibility for Rangers' bench coach and #2 manager choice Tim Bogar, who worked under Maddon for the Rays and has been considered a strong manager candidate for a couple of years.
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Interestingly, this also opens up a strong possibility for Rangers' bench coach and #2 manager choice Tim Bogar, who worked under Maddon for the Rays and has been considered a strong manager candidate for a couple of years.
Posted by: Ben at
11:44 AM
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Cubs. Cubscubscubscubscubs. CUBS.
Posted by: Wonderduck at October 25, 2014 11:47 PM (jGQR+)
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If Maddon is everything he's supposed to be, and if managers really do make a measurable difference, then Maddon working for Epstein with the players they have now would be scary. I read one article that Maddon wouldn't make the Cubs title contenders, but they would certainly be much better. If Chicago brings in a good pitcher, then they look an awful lot like the Kansas City Royals, except younger.
Posted by: Ben at October 26, 2014 12:14 PM (DRaH+)
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CUBS! WOO CUBS! CUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUBS!
Posted by: Wonderduck at October 31, 2014 09:34 PM (jGQR+)
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I think it's a fantastic baseball move, but man, I feel bad for Rentaria. Epstein literally told him "You don't deserve to be fired for not being Joe Maddon. But you're not Joe Maddon. You're fired." Tampering investigation won't go anywhere useful. Maybe Chicago gets fined a few million dollars, maybe that money even goes to Tampa Bay.
On the other hand, Rentaria didn't do a bad job this past year. I wouldn't want him to manage Texas, but I would take him over taking Ron Washington back, if that were ever a choice that needed to be made. He's probably going to wind up at Tampa Bay or Minnesota, and he's going to get paid. He'll basically have two salaries for the next two years, while leading a team that will have almost no expectations.
On the other hand, Rentaria didn't do a bad job this past year. I wouldn't want him to manage Texas, but I would take him over taking Ron Washington back, if that were ever a choice that needed to be made. He's probably going to wind up at Tampa Bay or Minnesota, and he's going to get paid. He'll basically have two salaries for the next two years, while leading a team that will have almost no expectations.
Posted by: Ben at November 01, 2014 12:06 PM (DRaH+)
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Yeah, it's a little unfortunate, but even Renteria reportedly understood the move. He wasn't happy about it, but even he said it made sense.
Posted by: Wonderduck at November 03, 2014 09:49 PM (jGQR+)
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