Cubs' Epstein: Renteria will 'absolutely' be back in 2015

Despite a losing season, the Chicago Cubs are pleased with the results they've received from Rick Renteria.

The vote of confidence comes in the form of Cubs' president of baseball operations Theo Epstein who said that the rookie manager will return in 2015.  

Epstein acknowledges that he's not focusing on the win-loss numbers this season - even though it's a five game improvement on last season - but rather that Renteria accomplished the goals set out by the front office. 

“He’s been supportive without being enabling,” Epstein told Comcast SportsNet Chicago. “The No. 1 challenge that we gave him was to provide an environment for the young players to continue to develop and thrive at the big-league level, and that’s easier said than done.

“He’s lived up to everything that we had hoped for, especially with the priorities that we gave him.”

Reneria, who was hired following the conclusion of the 2013 season, owns a 71-88 record heading into Friday and is expecting much improvement from his young roster next season. 

“I always have high expectations, so that’s not going to change,” Renteria said on Thursday. “We all know what this is about. This is about ultimately winning. There’s nobody that takes this seat and thinks otherwise.

“My expectation is that we can (win). I’m not going to shy away from that.

“Do I expect we’ll be better next year? Absolutely.”