Joe Maddon hoping to win the World Series title in 2012 – MLB News
Undoubtedly, Joe Maddon is one of the best managers in Major League Baseball right now. He is known very well for his ability to get the best results with minimum resources. Considering his valuable efforts in the last four years, Tampa Bay Rays agreed to a three year contract extension on Thursday. The manager is also expected to get performance based incentives and bonuses.
"He genuinely believed with every fiber of his being that we could win the American League East and would preach it and say it to everyone," Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said.
"That each year is about continuing to push the boulder uphill as opposed to going back down to the bottom of the hill I think definitely gives us a competitive edge even before the players go out on the field," Friedman added.
Last season, Maddon worked extremely hard with the team members to help the Rays make it to the playoffs. With a 0-6 start, the Rays looked completely out of sorts at the start of 2011 regular season. However, Maddon continued with his aggressive approach to turn things around. Leading his team to a second straight post-season, the 56-year-old showed his amazing determination, fighting spirit and mental toughness.
In his first year with the Rays in 2008, Maddon was named the American League Manager of the Year. He was presented with the same Award in 2011 after he helped the Rays earn a Wild Card berth in three of the last four seasons. In an interview with a leading sport website, Maddon stated that changing the culture of losing in the Rays' side was his most important accomplishment.
"You can't underestimate the freedom that I have here, all the crazy stuff I do is supported, I think," Maddon said.
Maddon is looking optimistic ahead of 2012 Spring Training as well. He is convinced that the Rays have the quality depth in their hitting and pitching lineups to give strong teams a run for their money. He will be looking to work hard with each player in the team to help the ownership achieve their desired goals.
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