First start for Maddux as a Dodger @ Dodger Stadium

by JFCubFan on Aug 8, 2006 1:37 PM CDT

For those of you still weeping in your Old Styles, Hamms, Pabsts or Falstaffs, I thought I would inform you that Los Angeles is abuzz today about Maddux's first start as Los Angeles Dodger tonight against the Rockies.

In today's paper Greg reminisced about his first MLB he attended at Dodger Stadium. Here are a few selected quotes:

"I was 5 or 6 years", Maddux said. "I sat out there by the left-field foul pole and one of the (Cincinnatti) Reds threw me a ball in batting practice"

"I always loved playing here as a visiting player," Maddux said Monday. Maddux, a Las Vegas native, spent time at Dodger Stadium in his youth because his father was stationed at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County.

Talking about the trade to LA Maddux said, "To me (the trade) was like spring training all over again, or like Opening Day. Things weren't going as well as we would have liked in Chicago, but one plane ride and you're back in it."

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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In my mind it's back to the days when Maddux...

...was a Brave.

He's ancient history as a Cub now, which means he's just another opponent.

One could even convince me that the 2.5 years he was here never happened.

I'll stand up and clap for him big time when his career is over, but until then, I hope when the Dodgers come to town we kick their ass and keep them from going to the postseason. And if Maddux just do happens to be on the hill for on of those games, too frickin' bad. I hope we torch him along with the rest of the Dodgers.

And it's not just the Dodgers it's every team that has a shot at contention facing us.

I want the Cubs to ruin it for everybody.

by theprognosticator on Aug 8, 2006 1:57 PM CDT reply actions

Greg Maddux

To those who insist that Greg Maddux is on the downward spiral and therefore not worthy of his handsome pricetag, might I suggest that he is on pace to chalk about 15 plus wins and pitch 200 plus innings. Pretty good stuff if you ask me. He was the second best starter on the Cubs during his two and a half years in Chicago and worth every penny of his contract.

by Mike63 on Aug 8, 2006 2:21 PM CDT reply actions

Further...

... starting tonight means he also gets the start next Sunday vs. the Giants, which is ESPN's Sunday night national game.

by Al Yellon on Aug 8, 2006 2:51 PM CDT reply actions

Luckily he WON"T start againts the Cubs

THIS year. Barring a rain out he will not pitch in
the 9/12-14 series but will pitch on Sept. 10 at Shea
so I can see him there.

Well yes it IS like the days he was in Atlanta. The
smartest guy in baseball tried but failed to make
a go of it with the Cubs and fled town for a winner.
This time we actually DID get something good back
and he is unlikely to win 3 straight Cy Youngs. However
we have lost something beyond measure and while
I will watch and root as hard as ever for Maddux
( unless it impacts on the Cubs in some way) I don't
have the same fondness for the Dodgers I actually
had for the Braves.

Here is a selection of Maddux pieces in the last
week. FYI the Downey one is OK in the premise
but totally mistates the over Trib writers's reference
to Maddux not "deserving " what happened ( they
meant the team around him NOT that he was traded)

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-plaschke4aug04,1,1086505.column

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/cs-060805verdi,1,6890679.column?coll=cs-cu bs-utility

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/cs-060804downey,1,7925984.column

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-0608040293aug04,1,3576896.story

by jessica on Aug 8, 2006 3:42 PM CDT reply actions

18 years ago tonight

he went sliding across the tarp at the Cubs first night game at Wrigley (rained out).

What does not kill you makes you stronger.

by Pa on Aug 8, 2006 4:54 PM CDT reply actions

and thanks to Kasey

I have a DVD of this which I STILL have not watched
Was kind of saving it for a "rainy day" but now without
Maddux all my days are rainy

by jessica on Aug 8, 2006 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions

It's worth watching

funny to see the parade of dignataries through the broadcast booth, especially after Harry & Bill Murray take off for better times.

And of course Maddux & company running across the tarp is a wonderfully sad sight.

What does not kill you makes you stronger.

by Pa on Aug 9, 2006 12:31 AM CDT up reply actions

Today's Maddux article

FYI I hope you jokers who were glad to get rid
of this "worthless over the hill pitcher who should
retire" see the error of your ways. I just want to cry
However I think Izturis is an OK consolation prize

http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-plaschke9aug09,0,3384100.column?coll=la-hom e-headlines

by jessica on Aug 9, 2006 10:13 AM CDT reply actions

Happy for Maddux

He's back in the playoffs hunt.

I think Izturis stinks, though, and he hasn't done anything since arriving to sway my opinion.

What does not kill you makes you stronger.

by Pa on Aug 9, 2006 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions

Peaks and valleys

I was sad to see Maddux go. However, one must remember that Dodger Stadium is a pitcher's park, so I won't be surprised if he does well there compared to Wrigley (and yes, I know his first start was in Cincy, I'm just saying).

That being said, I think Maddux goes in good/bad stretches, and he's in the former right now, starting with the game against St. Louise.

I wouldn't be surprised come Sept. to see him slump some. Either way, even if the Dodgers do go to the playoffs, no way they get out of the NL Championship.

Poppppppppped it up...

by nextyearcub on Aug 9, 2006 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions