The long-suffering Major League Baseball Chicago Cubs changed managers Friday, naming Joe Maddon as the 54^th skipper in club history.

Theo Epstein, Cubs president of baseball operations, said he hated to dismiss Rick Renteria after only one year, but did so during a narrow window in which Maddon, a two-time American League manager of the year, was available. 

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Epstein praised Renteria even as he fired him. He issued a long statement saying Renteria deserved another shot, but circumstances forced his hand.

Maddon, 60, was perfectly suited to lead the Cubs in then future, according to Epstein. "In this business of trying to win a world championship for the first time in 107 years, the organization has priority over any one individual," Epstein said. "We decided to pursue Joe."

Maddon last Thursday opted out of his contract with the Tampa Bay Rays under a clause allowing that should Andrew Friedman, Rays executive vice president of baseball operations leave his post. Friedman did that last month when he became Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations. Maddon, at the time, said he contemplated taking a year off or becoming a broadcaster.

In the end, Maddon agreed to take his show to Chicago where he will be named officially during a Monday news conference at the Cubby Bear tavern near Wrigley Field. The ballpark was unavailable due to renovation work being done.

With a career 781-729 since taking over Rays management 11 years ago, Maddon took what once was a sad sack franchise to the 2008 World Series. He was last named AL manager of the year in 2008 and 2011.

Renteria had a two years left on his contract with the Cubs. He led the young team to a 73-89 record and was credited with working well with the younger players.

Maddon is the third manager hired by Epstein over his first four years heading the Cubs baseball operations. Dale Sveum managed the team before yielding way to Renteria.

TagsChicago Cubs, Joe Maddon, theo epstein, Baseball, mlb, manager, Tampa Bay Rays, world series