Maddon, Friedman already looking ahead

OCTOBER 06, 2011

Execuitve VP Andrew Friedman and manager Joe Maddon, speaking at a team media event, said Thursday they are both already looking ahead to what they expect to be a succesful 2012 season.

Among the quick highlights:

* Friedman, who has been mentioned as a candidate for the Cubs and Astros GM jobs, on his future: We don't comment on rumors and speculation but my focus is on taking the learnings from the 2011 season and rolling them into the 2012 team.''

* Maddon, who is heading into the final year of his contract: I'm not concerned about "lame-duck" status going into final year of contract and "I don't want to go anywhere else."

* Friedman, on the future: "We feel we have the players in place to have a very successful 2012 season."

* Friedman on improving the offense: Trading a starting pitcher for offensive help possible but "not necessarily" the plan.

* Maddon said there was nothing to report yet on the status of bench coach Dave Martinez, considered a candidate for managing jobs in Chicago and Boston, but if he does leave they'd likely look internally first. Triple-A manager Charlie Montoyo would seem a logical candidate.

Posted by Marc Topkin at 2:12:42 pm on October 06, 2011 | Permalink | Comments

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