The Tampa Bay Rays have found Joe Maddon’s replacement and named Cleveland Indians bullpen coach Kevin Cash as the club’s new manager.
The team announced the news Friday on Twitter.
"His energy and dynamic personality will fit seamlessly with our clubhouse," Rays owner Stuart Sternberg said in a statement. "We are fortunate to have such a talented individual and Tampa Bay native, to lead our club as we strive to achieve new heights as a team and organization."
Cash is a former major league catcher, who served mainly as a backup throughout his career. He had stints with several teams including the Rays, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Houston Astros and Texas Rangers. He has been the Indians bench coach since 2012.
Yahoo! Sports noted that Cash beat out former Seattle Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu for the job. Raul Ibanez was also a candidate for the position but recently withdrew his name from consideration.
At 37, Cash will be the youngest manager of a major league ball club. And, has some big shoes to fill replacing Maddon, who was not only a successful manager, but also very popular with the fans and players in the clubhouse.
Twitter image courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays