"We saw it as a unique opportunity and faced a clear dilemma: be loyal to Rick or be loyal to the organization. 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. We decided to pursue Joe." - THEO EPSTEIN, explaining manager Rick Renteria's dismissal.

Theo Epstein dismisses first-year Cubs manager Rick Renteria (73-89) with two years remaining on his contract. The GM believes his skipper "deserved to come back for another season," but replaces him with field boss Joe Maddon, a free agent available after leading the low-payroll Rays to the postseason four times in his nine-year tenure with Tampa Bay.