Al, the ticket exchange for May 26-June 1 is closed for comments.

Single seats were available for Monday’s game as of this morning on cubs.com. Best seat available was in Section 8, Row 4 for $80. Several sections available, but again, only single seats.

I’ll have to think about this Maddux idea. We’d have to trade Marquis, IMHO.

Interesting story

I agree that he’ll be alot more stable then the marry-go-round of #5’s we have going now. And also true about the leadership he’ll bring to the young guys on the team so he certainly does not hurt in that department.

My concern however is Maddux post season numbers are not what we’d call “hall of fame” worthy, but again I see the idea of adding Maddux as great situation that certainly is something we could do.

The question is though, what would it take to land him?

Would it take sending a guy like Matt Murton to the Padres?

I admit to being one of those sentimental baseball fans, but I really don’t see a downside to making this move. I love Maddux, and I think he’d be a good fit for that five spot.

If another, “better,” pitcher come available at the dead line Hendry could still go get him.

I just posted a picture of Holliday’s reverse angle plate slide from last year in Varsho’s off day fun thread and sure enough first thing I read in this post is about that play…

You should consider making this a poll question on the front page,

It be really interesting to see the stats and what the people think.

I love the man, and I’ve said so on my own site recently. However, I’ve seen three of his starts this year, and have not come away impressed. At all. Frankly, it looks like his career at this point is only being extended by spacious NL West ballparks, particularly at home. Take that away, and frankly he is Jason Marquis. Just more beloved.

The Cubs have the best chance to make a WS appearance this year since 84, IMO. Let’s stay serious about this. And when they finally do win, send Maddux a ring, and invite him back for the ceremonies.

...for a reunion with Smoltz and Glavine.

I know clubhouse/bench chemistry is COMPLETELY different, but how is it that Maddux doesn’t retard the growth of Gallagher/Marshall? One gets sent down—yes? Seems like a double standard between Edmonds and Maddux as to the retardation factor. Although admittedly, to this juncture, we could expect a better contribution from Greg than what Jimmy Ballgame has chipped in.

The glasses are more rose colored for one than the other? Playing every day doesn’t help Felix and starting in AAA vs MLB does help Gallagher?

Maybe I’m taking it the wrong way.

Maddux has already said he doesn’t want to move out of souther Cali. If he gets traded anywhere, it would be to the Dodgers or the Angels.

I love Maddux as much as anyone here and would love to see him finish out his career as a Cub, but I just don’t see it. Though, I can’t think of a better #4-5 starter who might be available.

Maddux is an excellent idea…the last hurrah for one of the true greats in the game. That is if he does retire at year’s end.

I can see them asking for Murton, thus giving him the chance to play everyday in the bigs. It’s a win win IMO…

I’ve got plenty myself, and was glad to see Maddux return in 2004. However, I’m not convinced that this would make things right.

People are wistful for what should have been, but nothing will change the fact that Maddux was an Atlanta Brave from 1993-2003 and had the bulk of his best years during that span. We’ll also never really know the full story behind his departure the first time and where the blame lies. While I am in the “Blame Himes” camp, there was an offer on the table that could have been signed.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Maddux would help the other pitchers with his knowledge. Al’s speculation that he’d be better than in-house options at #5 is reasonable, too, but at what cost? At this point, he looks to be nothing more than a 5 inning pitcher. How will that tax the bullpen?

If they were to get Maddux back, I’d welcome him and what he could bring to the team—but it’s not a move that I think the Cubs should make.

I agree with almost everything that was said… I remember MadDog coming up, and was heartbroken when he left in the early 90’s. When he came back, I felt like a kid again… and even though the team struggled, it broke my hear again to see him leave. I think, in terms of stats and getting things done, another pitcher might be better. Who? I dunno… but Maddux, though he’ll go into the hall as a Brave, bleeds cubbie blue… we know it, he knows it, so the rest of the world doesn’t matter!

I’d love to See Maddux come back… though, I really don’t think it will happen. I will be really surprised. I believe the ONLY way it will happen is if Lou tells Jim to look into it. Or if Maddux tells the Padres to “see if the CUbs might want me back.” I really doubt that will happen though. I also do not think Lou will tell JIm to go get him because Lou, though I’m sure he respects Maddux, has always seemed to love the power pitcher type.

But man… wouldnt it be soooooooo cool if Greg came back home? One last time! And it would be for the greatest dance in the world! THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Or at least Cubs Front office.

When Maddux did his 2004 – 2006 stint with the Cubs, he gave up a ton of dingers – in ‘04, he actually gave up more HRs (35) than walks (33). He does seem to have improved on this score, but in any kind of contention/playoff situation, we’ll be facing good hitters.

I dunno – I wouldn’t argue against it, but I know I’d have a little nervousness when he was on the mound.

Quote from a Carrie Muskat article on cubs.com:

“When I was in the shower—that’s it,” Marmol said. “I wash it away. It’s a bad day. I was thinking, ‘The next day is a new day. Each day is a new day.’ Then, I get excited.”

Wonder what happens in the shower when he’s had a good day?

I’m not ready to give up on Hillliebergallagher just yet. I’m still thinking one of those pitchers will emerge as a decent starter. If no one emerges by the end of June, then I think going after Maddux would be a good idea. If the Cubs can get him for a “face saving prospect” at that time, then I would favor the move. I don’t think now is the right time to pull the trigger.

“Do it! Do it now! What are you waiting for?”

Great post, would love to see him get a chance to pitch for Cubs in post-season.

can all form a line behind me.

(I like DGU’s plan to trade Marquis for him, too.)

I know you work for ABC but I didn’t know you were now writing for the overly dramatic Grey’s Anatomy. You make a great sentimental case with enough statistical back up for your “can’t be worse” argument. I agree, it would make sense, and be a nice way to end things on a good note for the Cubs, Maddux and the fans. Just not this year IMO.

This year I prefer the happy ending of us seriously making the playoffs and winning a world series. If there are better pitchers out there to take our 4th or 5th rotation spots why not go after them instead? We can’t pass on them because we want to do what’s “right” with Greg Maddux! Will that make us feel better should we not make the playoffs? Maddux would not be a horrible addition, I just don’t want that to be our limit. I don’t know who would be the ideal target because we don’t know who will be available just yet, I’m just saying, when the time comes, we have to go after the option that best serves our purpose.

I want to have an opinion on Maddux but there is no way I can have an unbiased thought on bringing him back. He would be a great “coach” to have as it is evident he had an impact on many of the Cubs including Demp, but I don’t know if he would upgrade our staff. I know far less than many posters on this site and the management making the decisions so I will have to trusts those who know more.

Do it. Felix Pie? Do it. Sean Marshall and Matt Murton? Do it.

“go all-out” makes it sound like “do whatever it takes”, so based on that I voted no. I would go for acquiring Maddux if we traded Murton or Marquis for him, but I don’t think Maddux is the arm that can help our rotation the most. Maddux greatest value to the Cubs could be his influence on other pitchers as Al notes, like maximizing Z’s ceiling, or maybe helping Rich Hill straighten things out, which in my mind is the best arm available for the Cubs around the trade deadline.

I’m taking a more realistic approach to pitching at the deadline- of course everyone will be screaming for #2’s/ace’s w/ baggage (Harden, Burnett), but due to so many teams needing pitching- Mets, Brewers, Cards, Braves, Marlins, Tigers, Yankees- teams will be overpaying for those pitchers, while the injury risk isn’t worth it. Some arms will be moved approaching the deadline (hopefully Marquis), possibly Maddux, Garcia and Colon will get jobs, just because there is so much pitching need. Paul Byrd is a name that was mentioned as possibly available, and I’m not advocating acquiring him, but that’s more the type of name I’d be thinking about, which is what brings me back to feeling Rich Hill with his head on straight is the best rotation addition possible for the Cubs.

But I think Maddux is done. Bring him back? Sure, as an announcer or pitching coach.

I’m surprised so many would like to see him back since so many argued that acquiring old players with eroding skills “stunts” the growth of the younger guys. I love Greg Maddux. I just happen to think the Cubs have better options.

In a complicated multi-team trade that corrects that horribly lousy trade we made two years ago when we sent Mad Dog packing?

Maddog is a walking encyclopedia. His knowledge base is unmatched in MLB today and with so many youngsters on the team, they stand to benefit from his knowledge.

The team overall achieves a level of stability that is needed come crunch time.

Sackman, that deal at the ‘06 deadline was more of a favor to Maddog than anything else. Besides, where were the Cubs going at that time?

I mean, I’ve heard idle speculation about the Cubs acquiring Maddux, but I didn’t think the issue would start coming into play quite this soon. Then again, the Padres are having a truly horrific season and, well, I never thought the Jim Edmonds thing would get off the ground either.

Like a lot of Cubs fans, I’m torn. I can definitely see the sentimental value of getting Maddux back. And it’s hard not to ponder the positive effect his mere presence on the club could bring about. I can already hear the deafening cheers at Wrigley as Maddog takes the mound. Would that vibe - the greatest vibe in all of baseball, as Greg himself has said - propel this team to even greater heights?

And I can already see the camera shots of Maddux muttering nuggets of baseball brillance into the ears of Cubs pitchers. Could Maddux alone save Rich Hill from the purgatory of a Quadruple A existence?

Yet, sentimentality aside, how would this move be all that different from the Edmonds acquisition? The Cubs would, esssentially, be stepping backward in time and rolling the dice on a player who, by all appearances, seems to be at his career’s end. Meanwhile, the team still has plenty of pitching depth in-house that could very well achieve the same results without sacrificing any prospects mid-level or otherwise.

So, like I said, I’m torn. I guess I’d say, in an admittedly wishy-washy manner, that I’d prefer to see the Cubs not make this move unless it’s a perhaps straight-up Maddux for Marquis trade. Or maybe even Marquis and Murton for Maddux. I wouldn’t go any younger than that in terms of prospects, though.

Dang, this is a tough one with so many emotions and, yes, intangibles involved.

Cubs are uniquely poised to break the 100 year curse. Therefore the imperative this summer needs to be to do what it takes to get over the top. If that means trading away a dubious prospect or two for Greg Maddux? Do it. If that means trading away several top prospects in an admitted risky move to acquire Rich Harden? Do it.

The Cubs live NOW. No more past talk or future talk until we win a World Series. 2008 is the year of the Cubs. Lousy National League, strong veteran ballclub, injury free so far, the advantage of several hitters in their prime, perhaps some guys having career years right now….

Pull out ALL the stops and worry about Matt Friggin Murton, Sean “Neal Cotts” Marshall, Felix “I can’t hit, I can’t hit” Pie haunting you later !!!! Run this thing like we are the New York Yankees right now !!!!

Murton alone might be enough. Or perhaps the packcage could be expanded to include Cedeno and another good prospect not named Pie for Khalil Greene.

... not your heart. This is not the move that a team that wants to win a World Series moves. Greg Maddux is a 5 to 6 inning pitcher right now. Once he gets into the 70-80 range of pitches, he’s toast, and thats on a good day. On a bad day his pitches move back over the plate and he’s throwing BP. As the year moves along, his stamina and stuff will get worse, too.

The cubs do not need a pitcher who is going to further stress the bullpen. If you want an upgrade, it isn’t Maddux. There are immediately better options. Jon Lieber is one. Sean Marshall is another. Sorry folks, but this would simply be a b ad move and one that does not make the team better.

DmL

to come back as a coach not as a pitcher. Is the team limited to how many coaches it can have? Since he would be a good mentor for the pitching staff why not just bring him back as a coach?

And while we’re at it, see if the Yankees are interested in shedding the fading Johnny Damon’s salary.

Pipe dream, I know… BUT… just suppose the Cubs DO get Maddux back, he pitches GREAT for us, wins a good handful of games and (GASP!) the Cubs WIN THE WORLD SERIES.

Is there ANY chance Maddux could go in the hall of fame wearing a Cubs hat?

Take it with a grain of salt but the same person who predicted to me in November of 03 that Maddux would come home to the Cubs if they called has told me that he would love to come back here to finish his career here if the Cubs are in 1st place and look not only like a division winner but a serious contender for going far in the playoffs.

What a great story it would be. And only topped off it he started and won game 7 of the world series and Kerry saved it.

And this person really does know Greg and Kathy Maddux. They were at her wedding. She was involved with Family Rescue back when Greg was with the Cubs the first time and Kathy was in charge of Cubs Wives for Family Rescue.

Nicest people you ever could meet.

I never heard this or if I did I forgot but my friend told me she heard Lilly didn’t get 31 because he was told it was going to be retired.

Anyone else hear this and whether it was for Maddux for Jenkins or for both?

I’m as sentimental as anyone when it comes to Maddux, but this just doesn’t feel right. We did right by him when we sent him to L.A. I’d much rather take our chances with Hill, Gallagher, Marshall, Hart, etc….

I totally agree with this post, Al.

this place is saturated in sentimentality.

I say no, unless the aformentioned triumvirate struggles mightily over the next month or so. Maddux is old. Pitches slow. Is not getting by with craftiness anymore. Love the guy, but do not want to see him pitch here again.

How’s Marmol’s arm going to feel after Maddux averages about 5.2 innings a start?

Getting Maddux back is part of the formula I kind of always figured would add up the year the Cubs won it all.

1. Guys we’re going to win it in a weird way. Hence my prediction Kerry wins it hitting for himself because of a depleted bench in the 14th inning of game 7. Homerun by a pitcher is the weirdest way to win it.

2. There’s going to be several great side stories to it.

3. The season will be full of strange circumstances.

Get Greg Maddux back. San Diego can have their pick of Felix Pie, Sean Marshall, Mattt Murton, the rights to Yosh Kawano, the statute of Jack Brickhouse, a 2 year subscription to Vine Line.

Get Rich Harden. Send Oakland the mother lode of that is what it will take. Jeff Samardizja, Tyler Colvin, Donald Veal, Tony Thomas, Felix Pie….they’re all open to be included in a deal.

How’s Marmol’s arm going to feel after Maddux averages about 5.2 innings a start?

like the Jim Edmonds signing.

We have some youngsters struggling so we bring in a struggling veteran, simply due to past success and ‘knowledge of the game’.

Unless there is a CLEAR upgrade, then it is not worth it, just like Edmonds was not worth benching Pie.

....only for the right price.

I’m not comfortable with unloading a mother load of prospects to get a potential Mark Prior redux.

I’ll bet he’d prefer to finish his career with the Braves, where he spent his vintage years.