Tamper-Resistant: MLB Clears Cubs of Wrongdoing in Joe Maddon Hiring

The season has started out really well, but if there was any sort of black cloud hanging over the Cubs, it was the unresolved situation regarding the tampering charges the Rays had brought up over the hiring of manager Joe Maddon.

At first it seemed like a last-gasp effort, like a Punch-and-Judy slap hitter weakly fouling off a bad pitch while protecting a 2-strike count. But just like seeing that same hitter remain at the plate fouling off better offerings engenders a little fear, the fact that no decision had been rendered by MLB was a bit concerning.

That all came to an end Wednesday afternoon though.

#MLB investigation finds no tampering by #Cubs in hiring of Joe Maddon as manager. #Rays

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) April 29, 2015

Whew, the dude finally struck out. I was pretty confident that this would be the outcome, but I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t a bit worried by the fact that something that seemed some cut-and-dried was dragging out. Now my worry has been relieved and I can resort back to righteous indignation.

Good effort, Rays, don’t let the doorknob hit you in the rear end on the way out.