Cubs introduce new manager Maddon

The Chicago Cubs, trying to end a World Series drought stretching more than a century, formally introduced new manager Joe Maddon on Monday.
Maddon, who guided the Tampa Bay Rays to four playoff appearances and the 2008 American League pennant over the past seven seasons, inked a five-year contract with the Cubs.
The team did not disclose financial terms, but ESPN reported the deal was worth $25 million and includes incentives linked to making the playoffs.
The Cubs leapt to obtain Maddon's services after the two-time American League Manager of the Year opted out of his contract with the Rays on October 24.
They sacked manager Rick Renteria, despite the fact that the Cubs showed improvement in Renteria's lone season as manager, posting a 73-89 record in 2014 after winning just 66 and 61 games the two prior years.
Maddon takes the helm of a Cubs team that has endured five straight losing seasons and last won the World Series in 1908. He said he was looking forward to the challenge.
"This is a one-in-107-a-year opportunity for me," Maddon said. "The challenge is so outstanding. How could you not want to be in this seat?"
Maddon said he was also looking forward to working with Cubs president of basketball operations Theo Epstein, who nearly hired Maddon as the Red Sox's manager in 2004 while then Boston's general manager.
"I knew there was a lot of common ground philosophically," said Maddon. "I know that the synergy between the front office and the manager is really, really important. This is a really good fit for me personally. I feel very comfortable here."
Source: AFP