Here We Go Again

Just when you thought speculation would die down about the Rays management team, Tony LaRussa decides to resign from the St. Louis Cardinals. No big deal, what does that have to do with the Rays? Early speculation, even on the Dan Patrick Show this morning just minutes after LaRussa made the announcement, was connecting Maddon to newly vacated position.

Maddon has always been a Cards fan and has had a lot of respect for the franchise and LaRussa as a manager.

While other jobs have come open already this offseason that have linked Maddon, none of them seem to have the draw that this one does. Good news for the Rays is Maddon has one year left on his contract and he has been emphatic in stating his desire to stay in Tampa. Would the Rays consider letting the Cardinals talk to Maddon if they worked out some kind of compensation for him taking the job? Anything is possible I guess, but Maddon has proven to be the mastermind that executes the on the field performance of the off the field planning of the Rays front office.

It would be hard to see Maddon anywhere but Tampa, but there is something to be said for being able to work for the team that you grew up a fan of. Maddon belongs with the Rays. His style fits the Rays makeup and it makes sense for him to stay here and try to bring a championship to the Florida gulf coast.

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