Rays inform coaching staff they will be retained for 2015

In the wake of Joe Maddon stepping down as manager last week, the Tampa Bay Rays have informed the remaining members of the coaching staff that they will be

In the wake of Joe Maddon stepping down as manager last week, the Tampa Bay Rays have informed the remaining members of the coaching staff that they will be retained and will return to the team for the 2015 season, CSN Chicago's David Kaplan reports.

Among those that will be staying on are bench coach Dave Martinez, pitching coach Jim Hickey and hitting coach Derek Shelton.

Maddon stepped down late last week after nine years with the club. After making the playoffs in 2013, the Rays went just 77-85 this year and finished in fourth place in the AL East. Maddon had an option for 2015, but he declined and ended his stint with the club that he had taken to new heights over his tenure, including a World Series appearance in 2008. 

Martinez is reportedly a likely candidate to replace Maddon as manager as he has been the team's bench coach since 2008. 

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- Jack Jorgensen