There has been progress in the talks between the Rays and manager Joe Maddon on a contract extension.

Maddon's current contract expires as the end of this coming season. Both sides have expressed strong public interest in continuing the successful relationship. 

Maddon said in early December that talks had begun and he was "very confident" an agreement would be reached. "I'm sure it's going to be all worked out in due time," Maddon said in Dallas at the baseball winter meetings. And executive VP Andrew Friedman said then, "My expectation is to work with Joe for a long time."

Though there has been no deadline by either side, it would make sense for the issue to be resolved before spring training opens Feb. 19. Also, Maddon is headed to Europe next week for a planned vacation with his wife. 

Maddon took over the Rays in 2006, and they are 495-477 in his six seasons, with three trips to the playoffs in the last four years.