"The first day of baseball's annual winter meetings brought an end to one rumor surrounding the Rays, gave life to another and brought about some news on manager Joe Maddon's contract status.

Andrew Friedman is not leaving the organization.

The Rays have interest free agent Josh Willingham as a designated hitter.

Maddon said he and Friedman have talked about extending Maddon's contract, which expires after the 2012 season.

"We've been briefly talking a little bit, but I'm really not concerned about that. I'm sure it's all going to be worked out," Maddon said during his turn in front of the media at the Hilton Anatole Dallas, the site of this week's meetings and rumor swap show."