The Chicago Cubs officially named Joe Maddon the 54th manager in franchise history today, and we’re minutes away from his official introductory presser. Joe Maddon has a five-year contract through 2019. The way the Cubs handled this was…questionable to say the least. It’s a great hire no doubt. It’s obviously the right thing to do in terms of building a winner as soon as possible.
However, the franchise portrayed as the warm and cuddly Cubbies was cutthroat and cold-blooded in the way they jettisoned Rick Renteria.
A two-time A.L. Manager of the Year with Tampa Bay (2006-14), Joe Maddon joins the Cubs after guiding the Rays to four post-season appearances (2008, 2010-11, 2013), including the organization’s lone World Series appearance in 2008. Only three active managers have more post-season appearances than Maddon (Bruce Bochy, Terry Francona, Mike Scioscia). Still he’s the club’s third manager in as many years. According to the Chicago Tribune, the Joe Maddon contract was worth $25 million.
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