Buster Olney tweeted this:
Sources: Manager Joe Maddon has exercised an opt-out clause in his contract and is leaving the Tampa Bay Rays immediately.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 24, 2014
So he must be planning to go to the Dodgers with Andrew Friedman.
I'm not a big believer of the manager as genius thing, but it will be interesting to see how this affects the Rays this season. I think, if there is an effect, it will be more in heads of the players.
This year, with the genius manager, the Rays finished 77-85, it's hard to say that he made a huge difference. I don't think the best manager in the world came turn a losing team into a winner. Now, Maddon with the Dodgers....they are a very good team and, figuring that Maddon, they do have a manager that has shown he can lead a good team.
I'd be curious to see if a tampering claim could be made by the Rays. MLB Trade Rumors tells us that the opt out clause in Maddon's contract vested with Friedman leaving the team.
I don't have much to say about it, but I figured we could use a spot to discuss the news.
Update:
Source: Maddon NOT heading to #Dodgers.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 24, 2014
I wonder if that's right, I guess we'll find out soon enough. Maybe the Red Sox are going to fire Farrell from his dream job?
Update 2:
Maddon’s agent, Alan Nero, says he contacted several teams after opt-out. Expects 4 to 5 legit suitors. Says Maddon wants to explore FA.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 24, 2014