Manager Joe Maddon to get three-year extension from Tampa Bay Rays

ST. PETERSBURG — The Tampa Bay Rays are expected to announce a three-year contract extension for manager Joe Maddon in the next few days.

The sides have agreed to terms, the Times had learned. An announcement is expected soon, probably this weekend in Miami. Joe Maddon, 55, is in his fourth season with the Rays, having taken them on their amazing run to the World Series last season. Overall, he has a 244-283 record.

Joe Maddon is in the final year of his current contract. The new deal would take him through the 2012 season.

Officially, Maddon said he can't say much - for now:

"Officially, I have no comment because it's an ongoing matter and it's our team policy to not really comment on those things. At the appropriate time we will obviously, but it's just not the appropriate time yet.''

The Rays are expected to issue a statement shortly, though it may be essentially a no-comment as well.

Agent Alan Nero said he could not comment on the situation and referred comment to team officials. They have not yet been reached.

The Rays were expected to wait until the end of the season to address Maddon's contract situation, but apparently decided to act sooner and approached him recently, likely within the last week. He has been very open about wanting to stay. Acting now would eliminate any questions about his future and the team's direction given the slow start this season.