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A press conference has announced at the Cubby Bear Bar in Chicago that Joe Maddon is officially hired as the new manager for the Chicago Cubs franchise. Maddon agreed on a five year, $25 million deal in attempts to take the Cubs to their first World Series victory in decades.
Maddon has high hopes to lead the Cubs back to a big market team with his three decades of experience coaching, managing and scouting. He says his first task is to gain trust with his new Cubs players.
Maddon decided to make the move to Chicago after his boss in Tampa, Andrew Friedman, decamped for the Dodgers. Maddon decided to opt out of his contract October 24th.
The former Rays skipper thanked his staff back in Tampa for all of their time and effort.
“I just want to recognize my guys back in Tampa Bay. I am very grateful for all the years that I spent there. Stew, Matt and Andrew and the rest of the staff and players, thank you for everything.”
Maddon now moves on and says he will meet with Cubs players.
“The trust has to go both ways. I am here to tell the players that they have my trust already. The staff, we have to learn the trust of the players. Once you have established the trust, some really special things can occur.”
To hear audio from Maddon, click on the links below:
