Article: Joe Maddon is Out in Tampa. Could Twins Get Him?

[Nick Nelson]

A compelling new twist was added to the Twins' managerial search on Friday, when it was announced that Rays skipper Joe Maddon has opted out of his contract in Tampa Bay, becoming a free agent.

 

Minnesota is the only club with a current opening. Will they take advantage of this unexpected opportunity and aggressively pursue the heralded longtime manager?Let's be clear from the get-go: a match in this case is unlikely.

 

For one thing, Maddon would be exorbitantly expensive; Mike Scioscia and Joe Girardi are the highest-paid managers in the game presently, earning $5 million and $4 million in 2014 respectively, and Maddon -- being viewed by many (including myself) as the best in the biz -- could command a higher salary than either.

 

There's also the matter of Maddon's preference. Even if the Twins are willing to pony up, will the 60-year-old want to join a club that is amidst such a brutal drought?

 

There was some initial speculation that Maddon could follow former Rays GM Andrew Friedman to the Los Angeles Dodgers, although Ken Rosenthal tweeted definitively that this will not be happening. And really, firing Don Mattingly -- who's under contract -- after a 94-win season would be pretty ludicrous.

 

Still, there are more likely destinations than Minnesota, even though this is the only present vacancy. Plenty of teams would undoubtedly be willing to set aside their current skipper to make room for Maddon. The Cubs, coming off an 89-loss campaign under Rick Renteria, seem like an early favorite.

 

All that being said, even though they're in deep with their present group of candidates, the Twins would be foolish not to at least reach out to Maddon and explore a potential match. He has a reputation as being forward-thinking, analytical, and beloved by players and coaches alike. He has experienced immense success with a small-market franchise in Tampa that the Twins should be modeling themselves after. And he really knows how to run a pitching staff.

 

What do you think? Is there any chance Maddon ends up in Minnesota?

 

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[Linus]

The only ray of hope might be if he perceives Miinnesota to be a place like Tampa was a few years ago, where you have a pipeline of top prospects on the way.

[Winston Smith]

Please!

[h2oface]

It would seem having Terry Ryan as his boss and GM would be the biggest obstacle.  If you can pay Pelfrey 5.5 million, it would seem paying Madden that is nothing.

[Giles Ferrell]

Give him a blank check!!

[cmb0252]

Would love it but I can't see them paying a manager that much especially with them still owing Gardy $2M for next year.

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

Will the Rays be "frowned at" for announcing this on a World Series game day?

[Craig Arko]

Certainly worth seeing if he wants to interview.

[Brock Beauchamp]

Will the Rays be "frowned at" for announcing this on a World Series game day?

I don't think this story broke from the Rays camp, so no.

[Brock Beauchamp]

All things being equal, I can't see Maddon taking the Twins job if the Cubs job is also open.

 

What person in their right mind would turn down the current Cubs managerial position if offered it?

[nicksaviking]

To be clear, I don't think this is happening, but the timing is incredibly conicedental.  As noted, the Twins are the only team without a manager under contract.  So if the Twins are not his destination, that means he either has another gig likely lined up where another manager is about to get a late axe, or he plans to sit out a year.  I'm not sure why he would choose to sit out a year however unless it's under protest against his cheap club which he has defended multiple times in the past. He won't get paid if he sits out.

 

Don't you have to think he wouldn't be resigning unless he has something else cooking?  Maybe the Twins were dragging their feet while they were working something out behind the scenes.  The Twins would probably be one of the only clubs who could keep such a thing quite seeing as how cloak and dagger they are.  Trips to central Florida wouldn't raise many eyebrows considering their base of operations is only a couple hours away.

Edited October 24, 2014 by nicksaviking

[DaveW]

Locking the first thread? Boooo

[Winston Smith]

Tampa a perfect job for Gardy and Rick!

[JB_Iowa]

It would be criminal for the Twins to fail to inquire.

[nicksaviking]

Hey, if they do snag Madden, they may just get Dave Martinez to Minnesota after all!

[JB_Iowa]

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal  · 2m2 minutes ago 
Within industry, #Cubs viewed as a leading contender for Maddon. Renteria signed through 2016. Team could simply pay off rest of his deal.

 

 

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal  · 3m3 minutes ago 
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.

[EephusKnuckler]

Hey, if they do snag Madden, they may just get Dave Martinez to Minnesota after all!

 

More likely that Martinez stays in Tampa as the new manager, rather than follow Maddon somewhere.

[Brandon]

I don't think he'll come to Minnesota.  We may not be a fit for him.  But I would be upset if we didn't publicly inquire.

[Riverbrian]

I'm rarely comfortable expressing strong opinions on Manager Candidates because I just don't have enough information on their philosophy.

 

However... I've stated that I'd like a Joe Maddon type. So... When hoping for a Joe Maddon type. Why not hope for Thee Joe Maddon.

 

Joe would rank #1 on my list and so much so that he would also be choice #2 3 4 5 and 6.

 

#7 would be the guy who worked for him Martinez.

 

Joe would be the perfect match for our Roster next year and beyond. Because we will have a roster full of players who can play a little and offer position flexibility just like Joe is the best at managing. Joe will know how to handle Plouffe when Sano arrives.

 

Please Please Please make this happen... Pay him 10 Million a year... It ain't my money... I don't care. Get this one.

[Boom Boom]

If Maddon doesn't come to MN, the reason had better not be "he wanted too much money."

[Kirby_waved_at_me]

Does a manager's salary factor into a potential luxury tax penalty? If a team paid Maddon 10MM a year, would that necessarily have to impact their player payroll, or are they considered to be two separate things for revenue sharing purposes?

[TNTwinsFan]

Player payroll wont be an issue for a while. Get this done! I think $7mil/5yrs, a Top 5 Minor League system, and two more World Series Titles than the Cubs would make him a better fit than the "good guys from Chicargo (Tennessee slang for "Chicago").

[nicksaviking]

There isn't a free agent available that I'd rather have than Madden.  Considering Ryan's defensive responses to Parker's payroll questions, I'm guessing he doesn't plan on putting a lot of money into free agency.  Well, here's a good spot to put it. 

Edited October 24, 2014 by nicksaviking

[gunnarthor]

Why do people think he's a good manager?  I'm not saying he isn't but I'm wondering what they are basing it on.  His teams actually under perform their pyth w/l records.  He shifts a lot but most of that is supposed to come from the FO and he just implements it.  His record in one run games changes a bunch year to year (like most managers).

 

Success with a small payroll team?  Good clubhouse atmosphere?  Development of young players?  Developing scrappy teams that fight? I think all of those things have their pros and cons.  

[Riverbrian]

I'm also under the impression... Based upon how long Gardy held his job and the relationship he seemed to have with Terry Ryan.... It gives me the impression that any managerial candidate would love to work for the stability that Terry Ryan and the Pohlads provide.

 

I agree... I hope Money isn't an issue. This is one of those guys you go get and pay what it takes if you are serious about getting better.

[biggentleben]

Maddon has mentioned multiple times how much he loves Los Angeles and would like to finish his career on the West Coast.  I'm assuming we'll hear soon about Don Mattingly being reassigned or outright fired and Maddon becoming the next Dodger manager.

[Mike Frasier Law]

Wouldn't that be a statement to the fan base about changing directions?! I doubt it will happen, but I can see how it would be a good fit. If he's signed for 2-3 years, he will be credited for everything our up-and-coming prospects accomplish in that time. If he enjoys working with young, high-upside guys on an underachieving team, our only competition is the Cubs. Go get him!

[BrianTrottier]

I can't help but feel hopeful that a day after the Twins were supposedly going to announce their new manager but wound up failing to do so, Maddon becomes available. Wild speculation on my part, but a guy can hope...

[nicksaviking]

Why do people think he's a good manager?  I'm not saying he isn't but I'm wondering what they are basing it on.  His teams actually under perform their pyth w/l records.  He shifts a lot but most of that is supposed to come from the FO and he just implements it.  His record in one run games changes a bunch year to year (like most managers).

 

Success with a small payroll team?  Good clubhouse atmosphere?  Development of young players?  Developing scrappy teams that fight? I think all of those things have their pros and cons.  

 

He's open-minded.  He's more than that, but really, that's enough to get me excited.  No more stubbornness please.  For some reason, some people lately have been promoting the idea that stubborness is a good trait, when it's basically the death blow to inovation and evolution.  I'm not saying Molitor or Meintkiewicz would be bad managers, but to me they seem like the type that would be described as bullheaded and they'd be proud of that fact.  This game's always changing, we need people who will adapt with it, not drag their feet and insist the game must be played the way they most feel comfortable playing it. 

Edited October 24, 2014 by nicksaviking

[Brock Beauchamp]

I'm not saying Molitor or Meintkiewicz would be bad managers, but to me they seem like the type that would be described as bullheaded and they'd be proud of that fact.

I don't see how Molitor could be labeled as bull-headed. He has shown a knack and openness to altering his strategy to improve results throughout his career, both on the field and in the dugout.