>>Maddon In, Renteria Out In Chicago

Chicago Cubs President Theo Epstein says Joe Maddon is as well suited as anyone to manage the challenges the young team faces.

The Cubs announced Friday they have hired the two-time American League manager of the year to replace Rick Renteria. The move pairs Maddon with a promising roster and a franchise with far more resources than he ever enjoyed with the small-market Rays.

Maddon suddenly became available two weeks ago when he opted out of his Tampa Bay contract. Epstein says it was a dilemma for the Cubs but they were "transparent" with Renteria, who led the team to a 73-89 record in his only season -- a seven-game improvement over 2013.

Maddon will be introduced at a news conference on Monday.

>>Brewers Trade Estrada To Blue Jays

(Undated) -- The Toronto Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers are the first teams to make a splash following the World Series. The Brewers are sending right-handed pitcher Marco Estrada across the border for first baseman Adam Lind. Lind played in just 96 games last season due to a broken foot, but finished with a .321 average with six home runs and 40 RBI. The 31-year-old is a career .273 hitter with 146 long balls after spending nine seasons in Toronto. Estrada is arbitration eligible and started the season in the rotation for the Crew. The righty went 7-and-6 with a 4.96 earned run average in 18 starts, but recorded a 2.89 ERA out of the pen in 21 appearances. Estrada also led the majors in home runs allowed with 29.