Maddon, Rays agree to contract extension

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Tampa Bay Manager Joe Maddon has agreed to a three-year contract extension that ties him to the Rays through the 2015 season, the team said Wednesday.

The Tampa Bay Times said the new contract would pay Maddon about $2 million a year.

Maddon, who turned 58 last week, is a two-time American League manager of the year. He won the award in 2008 and again last season when he helped the Rays to a 91-71 record and a third playoff berth in four seasons.

He has managed Tampa Bay since Nov. 15, 2005, building a 495-477 record. Tampa Bay advanced to the World Series in 2008, losing to the Philadelphia Phillies. The Rays lost 101 games in Maddon's first season in Tampa and 96 in the second but have averaged 92 wins a years since then.

"In 2005, we hired Joe to be the long-term manager of the Rays and this extension reaffirms our commitment to him," said Rays Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman. "I have tremendous respect for Joe's leadership and for his unwavering belief in our players and the entire Rays organization."