Feb. 23--PHOENIX -- It's been nearly four months since the Tampa Bay Rays filed a tampering charge against the Chicago Cubs involving manager Joe Maddon.
It could take another month, but Commissioner Rob Manfred said Monday that a decision will be made before the start of the regular season.
"As you know, it's easy to do a quick investigation and reach a quick decision," Manfred said at a news conference. "Our preference here, because it's an important issue in terms of the way the clubs interact with each other, was to do a very, very thorough investigation and make sure we make the right decision."
The Cubs have been adamant that they did not tamper with Maddon, who exercised an opt-out clause in his contract with the Rays last October before negotiating with the Cubs.
