The Rays will need some time to step back and lick their wounds.
In a span of three months, Joe Maddon, Andrew Friedman and David Price have all left town. Some holes will be easier to fill than the others, but Maddon's is likely the biggest.
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Such is life in the MLB for small market teams.
In a conference call with reporters Friday, Rays president Matt Silverman expressed shock and disappointment that a deal could not be reached with Maddon.
#Rays Silverman said they tried to figure out a contract extension and made many offers but it became clear there would be no deal
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) October 24, 2014When Friedman left for the Dodgers, Maddon was unaware of a two-week opt-out clause that had been included in his contract. It was Silverman who brought it to his attention.
Maddon and the Rays were reportedly at an impasse in negotiations for a contract extension, and Maddon, widely regarded as one of the best managers in the game, felt this is the right time for him to test a market that is rife with teams that would be open to such an upgrade.
#Rays Silverman said he was "very comfortable" with the offers made to Maddon and that they were "very generous"
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) October 24, 2014After Maddon learned of his options, it is believed bringing him back would be a lost cause.
The more I hear from sources who have spoken with #Rays more convinced I am that there was almost no offer that could have kept Maddon there
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) October 24, 2014