Tampa Bay Rays supervisor Kevin Money tried to finish hypothesis about changing his buddy Terry Francona because the supervisor of the Cleveland Guardians.
“I am very joyful right here,” Money stated Monday on the season wrap-up press convention. “I am beneath contract right here and looking out ahead to subsequent yr, for positive.”
The 64-year-old Francona just lately stepped down as Cleveland supervisor. He is been slowed by main well being points in recent times. Money performed for Francona with the Boston Crimson Sox and was a member of his teaching employees in Cleveland earlier than turning into Tampa Bay’s supervisor in 2015.
In his 9 seasons with the Rays, Money has led them to at least one AL pennant, a pair of AL East titles and present run of 5 consecutive playoff journeys. His 739 wins with the group are 15 behind franchise-leader Joe Maddon.
The injury-depleted Rays gained 99 video games this season to earn an AL Wild Card however have been swept by the Texas Rangers within the opening postseason spherical final week.
Nonetheless, Tampa Bay president of baseball operations Erik Neander referred to as Money’s efficiency in 2023 “the most effective job that is he ever executed right here.”
The Rays have been with out gamers for a part of the season as a result of accidents, together with ace Shane McClanahan and beginning pitchers Drew Rasmussen, Jeffrey Springs and Shane Baz (out all season). First baseman Yandy DÃaz, second baseman Brandon Lowe, outfielders Luke Raley. Jose Siri and Randy Arozarena have been impacted by accidents down the stretch.
Shortstop Wander Franco was positioned on administrative depart indefinitely by Main League Baseball in August whereas authorities within the Dominican Republic examine the All-Star for an alleged relationship with a minor and sat out the ultimate six weeks of the common season and playoffs.
“A very powerful job a supervisor has, in our opinion, is to maintain gamers each single day coming to the ballpark caring about competing that day, profitable and doing it for each other,” Neander stated, “and in no season was that examined greater than it was this one.”
The Rays and native authorities officers introduced final month they’re engaged on a potential new ballpark for the group in St. Petersburg, with a potential opening in 2028.
Franco’s enjoying standing stays in query because the Rays put collectively their 2024 roster. It’s not recognized when MLB will make a ruling.
“We’re at all times getting ready for a number of various things,” Tampa Bay common supervisor Peter Bendix stated. “That is going to be true in that scenario.”
Franco has a wage of $2 million subsequent season as a part of a $182 million, 11-year contract that began in 2022. He might be paid and obtain service time whereas on administrative depart beneath an settlement with the gamers’ affiliation.
Neander stated Baz is nearing full clearance after lacking all the 2023 season following Tommy John surgical procedure. Rasmussen and Springs, each coming off in-season elbow surgical procedure, should not anticipated again till after the All-Star break. McClanahan will miss all of subsequent season due to elbow surgical procedure.
Reporting by The Related Press.
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