Andrew Friedman Releases Statement Regarding Joe Maddon

Andrew Friedman left the Tampa Bay Rays just ten days ago for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Joe Maddon left today. Will he follow Friedman to the Dodgers?

One of the best managers in MLB, Joe Maddon, informed his former club that he would no longer be managing and opted out of his contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.

More from Los Angeles Dodgers

Maddon, who spent nine seasons with the Rays, had the option to leave the team if Friedman left as well. Rumors are now swirling that Maddon could join Friedman with the LA Dodgers, but the new GM sent out a statement to quell the notion.

Here is the statement that can be found in Eric Stephen’s article:

"“As I said last week, Joe and I enjoyed a tremendous relationship working together in Tampa Bay and I wish him nothing but the best wherever his next stop will be,” Friedman said in a statement released by the team. “However, nothing has changed on our end. Don Mattingly will be our manager next season and hopefully for a long time to come.”"

Mattingly is under contract with the Dodgers through the 2015 season but could be replaced after that.

The Dodgers have reached the playoffs the last two seasons under Don Mattingly, but fans expect more out of a team with such a ridiculously high payroll.

Tampa Bay did their best to keep Maddon, but the two sides couldn’t reach an agreement.

Here's what Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg had to say regarding Joe Maddon's departure from the #Rays: pic.twitter.com/klaNMgX4w0
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) October 24, 2014

Under Maddon, the Rays went to the playoffs four times, including a trip to the World Series in 2008.

Dave Martinez and Gabe Kapler were a couple names thrown around to fill the vacancy, but the Rays insist they will be thorough in their search.

More from FanSided

Home/Los Angeles Dodgers