Greg Maddux Named Special Assistant To Jim Hendry
by Al Yellon on Jan 11, 2010 2:09 PM CST
in News
326 comments
From the official press release:
The Chicago Cubs today named future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux as an assistant to General Manager Jim Hendry.
Maddux’ responsibilities will include assisting the coaching staffs at major league and minor league spring training, assisting in the development of Cubs minor leaguers during the regular season and assisting Hendry and the baseball operations department in talent evaluation.
"We are thrilled to have Greg back with the Chicago Cubs," said Hendry. "He has such a vast knowledge of all phases of the game and the ultimate respect of everyone from the players to the front office. The addition of Greg Maddux makes us a better organization."
This is outstanding news. I think all of us know that Greg Maddux is one of the best baseball minds who has ever lived. The help he can give to Cubs pitchers is almost literally priceless. The best news in that link is: "assisting Hendry and the baseball operations department in talent evaluation."
That's something that's badly needed. I doubt this would have happened without Tom Ricketts as owner -- as a fan, he may have been able to talk Greg into returning.
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This is a great move
I don’t see any negatives in any way. Maddux has a lot to offer baseball still; I’m glad he’s chosen to do it with the Cubs.
Well done, Messrs. Ricketts and Hendry.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 11, 2010 2:12 PM CST reply actions
As I said, I think this has Ricketts written all over it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I disagree
This is Hendry. I am sure Ricketts supported him but this is because of Hendry’s relationship. I think my sig works pretty well these days.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 2:14 PM CST up reply actions
I hope you are right,
if it was a Ricketts hire it is a PR move, if it is Hendry’s hire then it is for legit baseball reasons.
"The Cubs are due in sixty-two." - #14
I don't think the two are mutually exclusive.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 11, 2010 2:18 PM CST up reply actions
Of course it could
It’s a great move from a PR standpoint AND a baseball standpoint. (It’s a floor wax and a dessert topping!)
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 11, 2010 2:44 PM CST up reply actions
It's a breath mint and a laxative!
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 11, 2010 3:03 PM CST up reply actions
Sounds like one of Maddux's pranks.
Laxatives in breath mint package.( From someone who gave out Ex-Lax gum in chicklets boxes on April Fool’s Day junior year of HS).
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 3:12 PM CST up reply actions
Stuff like that only makes me gain respect for you . . .
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 11, 2010 3:19 PM CST up reply actions
For some reason they posted warnings
Not to accept anything from me next April Fool’s Day. Hey the year before it was only chocolate covered COTTON, I was not the one who gave out the chocolate covered SOAP. I mean I would never do anything like THAT.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 3:22 PM CST up reply actions
I'm just grateful that I was polite to you when we met in person!
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 11, 2010 3:23 PM CST up reply actions
Were you by any chance...
….reading Catch-22 the year before?
"I tried to let Ryan know that [jumping over the dugout railing] was a thing that maybe just athletes should stick to." -- Ted Lilly, 28 July 2009
by CaughtInTheVines on Jan 11, 2010 8:52 PM CST up reply actions
no
Did someone give Major Major laxatives in a gum box ?
Other family favorites, Vaseline on the toilet seat ( Mom came in and said " very funny Dad just slipped off the toilet"), salt in the sugar bowl ( Strawberries dipped in salt YUM) and some I could not mention without incurring Al’s wrath on his family friendly site.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 8:56 PM CST up reply actions
Family friendly?
Pornography threads?
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
Did you actually read those?
They’re totally joking.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
It was Milo Minderbinder
He had cornered the market in Egyptian cotton, but then ran out of places to sell it. He tried a bunch of things to get rid of it, including chocolate-covered cotton, which didn’t go over so well.
"I tried to let Ryan know that [jumping over the dugout railing] was a thing that maybe just athletes should stick to." -- Ted Lilly, 28 July 2009
by CaughtInTheVines on Jan 11, 2010 11:27 PM CST up reply actions
Ah. Well still better than chocolate covered soap.
Someone gave that out in HS but it wasn’t me.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 12, 2010 12:08 AM CST up reply actions
It's a dessert topping AND a floor wax!
"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/
by lostinthevines on Jan 11, 2010 7:58 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Agree on Hendry
Part of Hendry’s rep is the respectful and honorable relationship he has with players.
While Izturis may not have seemed like the best return for Greg, there is little question in my mind that that trade greased the skids for this addition.
Well done Jim.
Eamus Ursuli!
A little better than a draft pick
if we held him hostage , no ?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 4:06 PM CST up reply actions
I would agree...
…and I think he has made a very good move to address two important areas that haven’ t been up to par under Hendry – Talent evaluation & player development.
Damn good move, and there is no question, this was probably Rickett’s idea.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
If you're the next big FA
and you get a voicemail from Greg Maddux and another one from Jim Hendry, both representing the Cubs, which one are you calling back first? I agree this is a great move regardless of who’s idea this was.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
Ha, good point.
Maddog needs to get on the horn to Ben Sheets pronto!
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 11, 2010 2:36 PM CST up reply actions
I've been prepared all off-season
for any good move to be credited to Ricketts and any bad move to be credited to Hendry.
"We’re going to come back here next year healthy and do what we’re supposed to do, and we’re going to be all right. That’s not Hendry’s fault. He thought it was the right move. It didn’t work out. But at the same time, he’s the same guy that put back-to-back championship teams together." - Aramis Ramirez
Oh, and I'm sure Jessica
will begin a week-long celebration shortly.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 11, 2010 2:13 PM CST up reply actions
a WEEK long ?
A season long, a decade long , however long he is with the Cubs.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 2:15 PM CST up reply actions
+3131313131313131313131313131313131313131313131313131313131313131
Just because you talk a lot doesn't mean you're saying anything. dtpollitt 1-7-10
Congrats and welcome back, Greg Maddux!
Way to GIT ’ER DUNN, JIMBO!
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 11, 2010 2:12 PM CST reply actions
As I said elsewhere
I predicted this when he retired. He’d take some time off and then get himself back and then gradually get back in the game.
As I said I want his brain in the Cubs organization.
Also breaking on the Score McGwire admitted steroid use.
2/18/2010 B&B become a We
McGwire, no way
Didnt expect to hear that when I woke up this morning. Two big shockers in a matter of minutes.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
I'll post the McGwire thing as a fanshot.
Let’s separate these discussions.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Yeah, really.
My head is spinning and I think the Twitter is broke.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 11, 2010 2:16 PM CST up reply actions
has the statute
of limitations expired, or can McGwire still be prosecuted?
How can the Cards hire him now?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jan 11, 2010 2:15 PM CST up reply actions
Prosecuted?
Do you mean legally or within the game? Because it sure isn’t clear that he violated the law. Even when called to testify before congress, he refused to answer the question under oath, so he can’t be prosecuted for perjury.
As far as taking illegal drugs, it’s not always clear what is legal and what isn’t in PEDs. If you have a prescription, it’s definitely legal and it’s not hard for a rich famous person to get a doctor’s note on drugs. In any case, I’m sure no one is going to prosecute on this after all these years. As you said, the statute of limitations is probably passed.
As far as the game goes, sure. Bud can still suspend him. And since he’s not in the union anymore, he can’t appeal.
I thought coaches and field managers remained in the union
I could certainly be mistaken, though
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 11, 2010 3:33 PM CST up reply actions
Nope
They’re management. They can’t be in a union.
That’s why when Piniella gets suspended, he has to serve the time immediately.
Did that change?
Because I remember Trebelhorn commenting as the Cub manager during an interview pre-1994 strike days that he was in the union.
I also remember Gene Michael appealing a suspension and then dropping it, possibly in exchange for Moreland not getting suspended for the same incident.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 11, 2010 3:37 PM CST up reply actions
It may have been different then.
Managers and coaches are definitely NOT in a union.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Not sure if this helps
http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/info/faq.jsp
I can’t open it at work….
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 11, 2010 3:38 PM CST up reply actions
OK, it's tricky
They are members of the association, they aren’t in the collective bargaining unit. Essentially, they get the benefits from the non-contractual things like selling their names on uniforms, bubblegum cards and video game licensing. They aren’t covered by the contract.
Can they appeal suspensions?
Because I am certain that they used to be able to…in fact, Dusty Baker did when with the Cubs.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 11, 2010 7:04 PM CST up reply actions
They aren't covered by the CBA
And since the rules covering appeals of suspensions are covered in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, no, they don’t get an appeal.
I don’t remember the incident to which you refer. Here’s an article with Dusty (as Reds Manager) upset because he doesn’t get to appeal his suspension and players do. So I think that settles it.
Not entirely
I know that they used to be able to appeal.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 12, 2010 10:07 AM CST up reply actions
I'm certain tha they have been
But I’m not going to be able to find much without going to newspaper archives, and I don’t think either of us care that much about it.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 13, 2010 8:01 AM CST up reply actions
Expired in 2006...
this according to the discussion on Mike & MIKE this morning. They stated a name of someone who clarified the situation but I did not catch who that was.
Just win the next game...!
He's only doing it now AFTER seeing what kind of HOF support he got.
Calculated and not surprising at all.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jan 11, 2010 2:16 PM CST up reply actions
Fanshot on this topic if you want to continue the discussion there.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
This is a BIG deal.
Dodgers. Braves, Padres , Cubs ( and probably more clubs) have open invitations to Maddux for pretty much whatever he wanted. I was SURE he would go to the Braves. This is what Jim Hendry does best. He worked very hard to sign Maddux and of course to “set him free”. The Cubs now have the best mind in baseball working for them.
I would not expect to see Maddux all over the place. I am sure he will be at Spring Training etc but I am sure he will still spend most of the year in Vegas but hey the kids probably go to camp in the summer.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 2:13 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
How old are his kids now?
They must be approaching college age.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I should know exactly but roughly 13 & 16
I think he still wants to spend most of the school year in Vegas.
PS I read that Greg wanted to sign with the GIANTS in 04 but Kathy wanted to come back to Chicago so maybe
there was a little influence here too.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 2:17 PM CST up reply actions
16 and 13
I can confirm those ages are either right or very close to.
The older one was born in 1993 his first year with the Braves.
2/18/2010 B&B become a We
by puckishcubsfan on Jan 11, 2010 2:19 PM CST up reply actions
Indeed.
Maddux and his wife waited till he was settled with a nice contract to start their family and have one boy and one girl 3 years apart. I swear the man plans EVERYTHING.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 2:20 PM CST up reply actions
Convention
Are you coming in this weekend?
Let’s get a coke to celebrate!
Our man is back!
2/18/2010 B&B become a We
by puckishcubsfan on Jan 11, 2010 2:22 PM CST up reply actions
I will be there
wearing a Maddux jersey ( along with about half the crowd I expect).
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 2:36 PM CST up reply actions
I wish I could come...
in my matching Maddux tee!
I have to go to school for TWO days, and then I have a four day weekend.
Mother Nature has one year left to give me that snowstorm that forces me to just stay here for the convention.
And I pretty much jumped with joy when I heard this. Maddux loves the Cubs!
"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana
That's a good point about Hendry.
Sometimes being a players’ GM really does pay off. It certainly did here. Jimbo has added Rudy Jaramillo and Greg Maddux to the Cubs organization this off-season. Not too shabby.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 11, 2010 2:15 PM CST up reply actions
With Bobby Cox calling it quits this year
maybe that made him lean towards the Cubs.
by LT on Jan 11, 2010 2:54 PM CST up reply actions
Best acquisition of the offseason
I assume a good chunk of his scouting will be on pitchers which I’m glad since I think we really need to have more pitching prospects down on the farm develop into ML talent.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
The extra bonus
is that Maddux can scout hitters just as well. That is really what he did as a player… see the holes in a hitter’s swing and exploit them.
So I think he’ll be equally effective in evaluating hitters, pitchers, and fielders, too.
Yet another reason...
… he would eventually be better as a bench coach than as “just” a pitching coach.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
We need to find a way to get Maddux on the bench during games
Dare I give the Cubs my heart again?
by digitalbenjamin on Jan 11, 2010 8:28 PM CST up reply actions
I like him more...
…in his current role which would allow him to bounce around and get a feel for what the Cubs have in their system, help guys in ST and evaluate potential drafts etc.
He would also be a killer advanced scout, because he could put together a damn good game plan for both pitchers and hitters because of his feel for players strengths and weaknesses.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jan 12, 2010 3:25 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I think he'd be a killer everything
Maddux understand the game. He’s an incredible asset to the organization from any standpoint
And I would love to see him suit up one more time
"If I were playing third base and my mother were rounding third with the run that was going to beat us, I'd trip her. Oh, I'd pick her up and brush her off and say, 'Sorry, Mom,' but nobody beats me." ~ Leo Durocher
so
this is excellent! Is it a step towards him replacing Rothschild???
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
Maybe.
Perhaps he’ll be Ryne Sandberg’s pitching coach.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I'd rather have him in his current capacity
With influence over the roster. He can help when asked.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 11, 2010 2:17 PM CST up reply actions
Right on...
…a guy with Maddux’ mind should be used to impact the entire operation, and not just pitching.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
He said he prefers to be a bench coach
and it makes sense. He has the best BASEBALL mind around , not just pitching.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 2:18 PM CST up reply actions
OK, then Sandberg's bench coach.
I’d be fine with that.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
That'd be pretty cool to see those two sitting next to each other in the dugout.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 11, 2010 2:19 PM CST up reply actions
You could make a decent coaching staff out of the '89 Cubs alone
Manager – Ryno
Bench Coach – Maddux
Hitting Coach – Grace
Pitching Coach – Sutcliffe
First Base – Dawson
Third Base – McClendon?
Bullpen – ?
Too bad Girardi is busy managing the Yankees to join in the fun.
Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.
Maybe the Cubs could hire...
…Mitch Williams away from MLB Network to be the bullpen coach.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 11, 2010 2:40 PM CST up reply actions
I thought about that...
…but the idea of a bullpen full of “Wild Things” scares the crap outta me.
Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.
Yeah, really.
Suddenly everyone’s pitching mechanics would go to hell.
Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.
by dat cubfan daver on Jan 11, 2010 2:45 PM CST up reply actions
but they would have cool hair and beards
Just because you talk a lot doesn't mean you're saying anything. dtpollitt 1-7-10
LOLOL
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring."--Rogers Hornsby
by cooliogirl47 on Jan 12, 2010 9:46 PM CST up reply actions
#15...'74-'77....right? ;)
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring."--Rogers Hornsby
by cooliogirl47 on Jan 14, 2010 8:38 AM CST up reply actions
Wrona/Berryhill for BP coach?
Just because you talk a lot doesn't mean you're saying anything. dtpollitt 1-7-10
Sounds good to me
but if I were in that clubhouse I would be TERRIFIED as two what those two would be doing in terms of pranks.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 2:21 PM CST up reply actions
Hmm.
Sandberg likes hotfoots, and Maddux likes flatulence.
Could be explosive.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 11, 2010 2:22 PM CST up reply actions
Headline: "Cubs braintrust suffers 2nd degree burns in clubhouse prank"
"Enough foreplay- let's get crackin'"- Fred Garvin
Might be part of the reason Maddux is here.
Maybe he was told that Ryno will be the manager next season and that there will be a place for him in the dugout. That’s a scenario that I see Ricketts playing a part in. Hendry can’t be sure he’ll be there but Ricketts, who will be here, could definitely say Ryno’s his guy. Ryno came back here when the Trib owned the team so I don’t think that in itself was a factor.
I’m not a fan of Hendry but I think he bought a lot of goodwill from Maddux in his second stint here. As for Ricketts and Maddux? They are both rich guys with weak chins so maybe that sealed the deal.
by the nth on Jan 11, 2010 2:54 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree with you
not a Hendry fan but he did buy goodwill
by Madison Cub Fan on Jan 11, 2010 6:38 PM CST up reply actions
I think I'd rather have
Maddux as a manager than Ryno, alas.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 11, 2010 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Absolutely agreed.
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on Jan 11, 2010 2:49 PM CST up reply actions
double agreed
"In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is." -- Yogi Berra
Sounds more like a front office job
Maybe he’s more in line to replace Oneri Fleita, Randy Bush or eventually Hendry himself
I doubt it...
…I think Maddux is most useful as a free lance type of guy, who can touch all phases of the baseball organization. I don’t see him as someone who would want to put up with the day to day BS that goes along with the jobs you mentioned.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Des Moines will buzz this summer
if Maddux and Sandberg are sitting in the dugout together talking baseball and our AAA players. Man, this is going to be really neat!
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
Nice...
Maybe we can entice him to take that #5 spot in the rotation until Lilly comes back.
Someday we'll go all the way...
Great move with getting Maddux in the front office
There’s nothing negative here at all.
And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.
What a week
Dawson in the Hall. Maddux in the front office.
Takes the sting out of NU losing.
2/18/2010 B&B become a We
Don't remind me...
…But our basketball team is 12-3 and has a shot to make the tourney for the first time since…well, you know…
With Leuer hurt, that's going to be a tough game for Bucky
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 11, 2010 3:34 PM CST up reply actions
True
NU’s a long-shot to win either (even w/o Leuer) but stealing 1 of 2 would be huge
Wildcats almost always seem to play UW tough
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 11, 2010 3:58 PM CST up reply actions
Im still recovering from that too.
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
Spring Training Signal
I wonder if this at all is any indication of the Cubs spring training future. Maddux is a Las Vegas guy and IIRC, in recent years it had an impact on his team decisions. I wonder if he would have been willing to commit to the Cubs if he knew they were Florida bound for spring training as opposed to being so close to his home.
Interesting.
I hadn’t thought of that, but you might be on to something here.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Still say Fla is a barganing chip
to get more out of Mesa.
AZ (specifically Maricopa Cty) knows their entire spring training 6/7 week window’s success hinges on the Cubs presence.
Think how much attendance at other facilities would go down if the Cubs left, not to mention the legions of fans that prop up the local economy.
It’s almost like having a 6/7 week long convention in Mesa every late winter / early spring.
Just win the next game...!
Awesome....
I was just thinking it was sort of a quiet day at BCB….happy, happy, happy……..
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring."--Rogers Hornsby
Not sure if he will show up at the Convention
Hates cold weather and will be in the Bob Hope Classic starting next Thursday. Maybe a quick trip for Friday ?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
To tend bar?
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 11, 2010 2:27 PM CST up reply actions
HA
Dare I give the Cubs my heart again?
by digitalbenjamin on Jan 11, 2010 8:29 PM CST up reply actions
no
they don’t let you smoke in bars in chicago anymore, do they?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jan 11, 2010 2:48 PM CST up reply actions
Yes.
Don’t know if he’s cut down, but when I saw him in a hotel bar in Cleveland in 1997, he was chain-smoking.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
My friends and I
were at Butch McGuires a few weeks ago and sat in the booth that had just been vacated by Grace and some of his friends. So apparently he has no problems with the smoking ban.
Bars have been smoke free for a few years already out here
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
(Sarcasm) That Settles the Cap Issue
(Sarcasm) Because Maddux is getting paid by the Cubs now, the Hall has most definitely got to put its foot down and demand that Maddux go into the Hall as a Brave. The money from the Cubs will taint his cap choice.
Seriously, though, Greg Maddux is a much better guy than Wade Boggs. It’s been pretty evident that Maddux will be going into the Hall as a Brave for a long time.
"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray
Will Lou put Greg on the Roster August 31?
Just Asking.
by Chodes on Jan 11, 2010 2:28 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I thought the same thing
maybe he could pitch against McGuire
"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella
I'd put $20 on Maddux striking him out
"If I were playing third base and my mother were rounding third with the run that was going to beat us, I'd trip her. Oh, I'd pick her up and brush her off and say, 'Sorry, Mom,' but nobody beats me." ~ Leo Durocher
More likely, getting him to ground weakly to second.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
This made my Monday
Great to see Greg Maddux back in any capacity with the Cubs. He’s always been a classy guy and one of my all-time favorite Cubs. It certainly would be nice to see him in a bench role in the future too. I’m also wondering if maybe they’re thinking of having him take over for Hendry down the road as another option.
Also, via Carrie Muskat’s Twitter: #cubs name Greg Maddux as assistant to GM Jim Hendry. Duties include assisting coaching staff and teaching kids to be winners
Loving the wording on that.
by cubbiebluekdawg on Jan 11, 2010 2:29 PM CST reply actions
Brilliant move by Hendry/Ricketts.
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
Maddux
as future GM??
I saw you in that coffee shop, breaking the fifth commandment. Congress passes these things for a reason, Lois.
If he really is "one of baseball's greatest minds"
I’d hope they’d groom him to be the next GM instead of pitching coach
Bench coach would be more likely.
I’d rather have him in the dugout.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Because you think he'd be better there?
Obviously I think he’d make a great pitching coach, but I’ll always put a higher priority on a GM than a bench coach.
Maddux may not have the skills required to be GM.
It’s a whole different game than field managing or coaching. Same reason why Steve Stone should never be a GM.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I suspect he would be a great GM
but I doubt it would interest him. A lot of people who knew him said that if he were not a baseball player he would probably be running a Fortune 500 company or a casino. Maddux is probably the perfect mix of stats guy who understands the heart of baseball.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 4:42 PM CST up reply actions
True
but I think it’s interesting that his new duties encompass multiple areas. He’s not only there to help out pitchers — he’ll have some input in the front office regarding talent evaluation. If Maddux is interested in possibly becoming a GM (speculation), then he’s going about it the right way, I’d say.
Maybe, but...
… in the realm of front office work, I think “consultant” would be far better for Maddux than “GM”. Gives him a chance to put in his $0.02 without the ultimate responsibility for dealmaking.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
If there is anyone is baseball I would want making deals it would be Maddux
I would give anything to have Maddux negotiate a contract with Boras. The man is ruthless when it comes to winning. Forget friendship or family ( Mike) that is for OFF the field.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 5:26 PM CST up reply actions
How do we know he has the skills to be a coach?
Or why is he going to be a good evaluator of talent?
Not saying he can’t do these things, but no reason to anoint him as credible in these areas. Many presumptive remarks in this thread.
Meanwhile it’s another mouth to feed. Money now being spent and we’re not quite sure why we are doing it. PR? What team needs PR when it has a season ticket waiting list a mile long? Feel good? Put a good team on the field and that should resolve the way anyone feels.
I have nothing against Maddux, mind you, but see no reason to create this role for him either.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Other than he is thought of as the smartest & most helpful player
in the game I can’t imagine why he would make a good coach or evaluator of talent. This is not a “feel good” move ( though of course am ecstatic ), this is getting the best mind in baseball to work for you. I don’t want to go on as this would get really long but I will leave it to anonymous baseball player who once reacted to the claim that Maddux was overrated in helping other pitchers
“I attended spring training with the Braves major league team in 2000, and Maddux was incredibly helpful to me. He took time each day to work with me on throwing a changeup. I literally spent every day for a month being tutored by one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the game and I think Maddux did it because he enjoyed helping a young guy out and enjoyed teaching. Beyond that, he always took moments throughout the day to provide “teaching points” on whatever we were doing, whether it was while we were taking PFP [pitcher fielding practice] or while we were in the batting cage. He didn’t just share his thoughts with me, but with all of the young pitchers in camp. I think I learned more about baseball in that month I spent with him than in my entire career up to that point."
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 12, 2010 7:59 AM CST up reply actions
The rumor, of course...
… is that the player quoted above was Jason Marquis.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
it's funny
because one of the things you complain about the most is how the Cubs don’t develop players from within the system, and Maddux is pretty universally considered one of the smartest players and player evaluators ever in the game.
This is EXACTLY what you should be cheering — a smart guy who can evaluate young talent for the Cubs!
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jan 12, 2010 10:33 AM CST up reply actions
I'm unaware.........
………..of his talent-evaluating skills.
Passing along tips and offering advice? Yes, I’ve heard of his prowess in this area, but I’m not familiar with his ability to look at players and make sound judgments. Fairly sure this is uncharted territory for Mr. Maddux.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
you are? Really?
and how do you know that? The dood called a game for a fellow pitcher from the dugout.
Everything I read or say seems to indicate that this guy is as good or better at baseball than Ryne Sandburg.
But then, if you had any positive feelings about him, that would mean you’d have to be positive about the team…
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jan 12, 2010 1:29 PM CST up reply actions
You are the one.........
………who is boasting of his ability to evaluate talent.
Examples, please, because I’ll gladly educate myself.
By the way, who died and made Ryne Sandberg the benchmark for talent evaluation, etc.?
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
because the Cubs made him their AAA coach for… what, then?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jan 12, 2010 2:14 PM CST up reply actions
Marketing ploy
/sarcasm
"If I were playing third base and my mother were rounding third with the run that was going to beat us, I'd trip her. Oh, I'd pick her up and brush her off and say, 'Sorry, Mom,' but nobody beats me." ~ Leo Durocher
it's to boost his chances of getting into the hall of...
oh, nevermind.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jan 12, 2010 3:15 PM CST up reply actions
No, Ryno will manage
SAMMY FOR HITTING COACH
"If I were playing third base and my mother were rounding third with the run that was going to beat us, I'd trip her. Oh, I'd pick her up and brush her off and say, 'Sorry, Mom,' but nobody beats me." ~ Leo Durocher
theriot: hey sammy, i still think im a power hitter but i cant hit home runs
sosa: here have this
theriot: what is it?
sosa: its uh… face cream.. yeah..
by jesus christos on Jan 14, 2010 3:44 PM CST up reply actions
Stick to your initial point.
Or at least one of them……..talent evaluation.
Still waiting for something that would reflect Maddux is a person who knows how to evaluate talent.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
his entire career and ability demonstrate that. Why do you think he CAN’T?
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jan 12, 2010 3:37 PM CST up reply actions
WHERE?
He’s never been a scout, as far as I can tell, and reading players at the MLB level is not akin to seeing some 17-year old playing in a high school game.
I’m not saying he can’t do it, but I’m certainly not prepared to anoint him as the second coming of Branch Rickey.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
tville's right, Drew
Nowhere is he saying Maddux CAN’T do this. Just that he HASN’T.
Teaching someone a skill is not analogous to evaluating their overall ability.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 12, 2010 4:14 PM CST up reply actions
except
that he evaluated talent every time he went out on the mound.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jan 13, 2010 11:24 AM CST up reply actions
Correct.
The talent of a MLB player.
If that equates to being able to evaluate a 17-year old kid on a high school field and translating that into the type of MLB player that kid will be, well, then he should do very well.
Exclusively on that matter, I have serious doubts about Maddux’s abilities.
Understanding the need to throw curve balls in the dirt to Soriano does not mean you can look at a JUCO player and discern his skils at the next level.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
he's considered to be
one of the greatest minds in baseball.
Seriously. You just can’t be happy with any decision.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jan 13, 2010 3:40 PM CST up reply actions
I certainly not happy...........
……….following your streams of consciousness and overall meandering when trying to make a point.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
meandering?
so sorry that you can’t keep up with the conversation.
Maddux is considered to be one of the greatest minds in baseball. He mentored younger players, and he’s clearly good at seeing the potential of a player facing him. It’s not a leap to suggest that he could see that potential watching a player from the sidelines.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jan 14, 2010 11:57 AM CST up reply actions
Drew, so what? It doesn't mean he's all-knowing
I think this was a great move by the Cubs and I expect Maddux to make them a better organization.
But can’t you even allow for the POSSIBILTY that he won’t be a player evaluation expert?
Your comment above is analogous to saying Einstein must have been fluent in Portuguese, because he was one of the most brilliant minds of the 20th century.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 13, 2010 8:18 PM CST up reply actions
no
it’s not nearly as random as that. Baseball is what Maddux does.
Whatever. I’m not going to argue about this ridiculousness any further. Maddux will excel at this as he has excelled in all aspects of the game.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jan 14, 2010 11:58 AM CST up reply actions
So you believe Maddux will excel at this...
…even though you have no proof.
And there is no proof that he will, because of course, he has never been in this role before.
See how ridiculous taking such an absolute position sounds?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
And with your endorsement.......
……..how could he possibly fail?
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
And I evaluated talent every time I sat in the bleachers...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
ISWYDT
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 13, 2010 8:17 PM CST up reply actions
And predicted
when a third base coach was going to be nailed. Pretty damn good evaluation.
Is it April?
by neverAcquiesce on Jan 12, 2010 2:28 PM CST up reply actions
He wouldn't have been...
…as successful he was on the field if he didn’t posses an inate ability to evaluate a players capabilities.
It’s not like he was blowing guys away with 98 MPH fastballs to get to his 355 wins, he had to pitch to each guys weakness, and I tend to think that takes a strong ability to evaluate what a player can or can not do.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Understanding the need to throw change ups........
………low and away to Sammy Sosa has very little bearing, in my opinion, on recognizing the talent (or lack thereof) of some high school kid playing against other high school kids. Knowing how to go up the ladder on Jim Edmonds isn’t likely to translate well as he watches JUCO players battle it out in BFE America.
I’m not trying to diminish Maddux’s on-field accomplishments, but I’m certainly not ready to fall at his feet for what some are simply assuming will be amazing front office career.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
This has little to do with his on field ability
and everything to deal with almost every player, COACH, MANAGER and GENERAL MANAGER who he has ever worked with saying how much they learned FROM him and how he had the best baseball mind they had ever encountered. He understands the game of baseball and how you evaluate players and and playing situations which is why every GM whose team he has been on has expressed a desire that he work with their team when they retired. The only reason anyone questions Maddux’s ability to help a team outside of the mound is because he is rich and famous.
Are people a tad giddy ? You betcha. Partly because of the emotional attachment of Maddux to Cub fans but also because he IS the smartest player and writers, fans, and fellow players have been salivating for years about what he could do when he longer actually played. I realize folks are in the silly season thinking Maddux is Hendry’s replacement or Sandberg’s pitching or bench coach next year but having Maddux on your team is an enormous asset .
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 12, 2010 5:23 PM CST up reply actions
Obviously many...........
………..are having a hard time being objective, as you’ve alluded, and while I don’t want to seem like the “wet blanket”, I believe the way in which Maddux is used will be critical to his success.
I am keen to see him ply his trade with other players, imparting not only his wisdom, but HOW he goes about his business.
Candidly I’m not as confident in the “player evaluation” side of the story, but let’s see where he is slotted into the organization. It may not be a key component of his role.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Simple...
…the guy clearly has more baseball instincts in his right ear lobe, than probably the entire Cub front office and coaching staff combined.
Any guy who could be successful (with limited physical abilities) for as long as he was, was doing it because he recognized his opponents strengths and weaknesses very well.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on Jan 12, 2010 3:28 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
True
But let’s also not forget that Maddux was able to execute what he wanted to do. His control was impeccable and that was hardly a limited physical ability. There probalby are very few people who would be able to consistenly throw and execute like the way he did.
by jerry morales rules on Jan 12, 2010 3:35 PM CST up reply actions
That's right!
Only when Greg Maddux is able to win more than 20 games in a season should he be allowed to share the same text with Stoney.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Um, he did win 20 games in a season.
In 1992.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
And again in 1993, but..........
……….I said “win more than 20 games”, a feat accomplished by the Stone Pony.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Nitpicking, are we?
You’re talking about different eras. Stone won 25 games, but did he have a better season than Maddux? I say no. Stone had the fourth-highest run support in the AL in 1980, when he won 25 games. When Maddux won 20 for the Cubs in 1992, his run support ranked 27th in the NL. I’m guessing with more run support, he’d have won “more” than 20 games.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Who did it by his own admission blowing out his arm
and shortening his career. Thanks I’ll stick with the guy who is used by most everyone in the MLB as the prime example of the best pitching motion to allow for a long career. There is a clip on youtube of Maddux at roughly age 18 with the same motion he had when he retired. If there is anything teams would like to teach pitchers it is how to pitch effectively without getting injured. In 23 MLB seasons Maddux was on the DL once for 2 weeks with a lower back strain.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 13, 2010 8:39 AM CST up reply actions
Guess the sarcasm..............
…………went undetected in my initial reply.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Apparently.
Feel free to use this any time you need it.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I know there's a seperate fanpost
But can I just tie McGwire and Maddux just to say can there be more of a contrast between 2 players to make big news on the same day?
Wouldn’t be surprised to see in a few years Dawson and Maddux in the front office, Sandberg on the bench as manager. Dawson is in Florida til the kids finish high school.
2/18/2010 B&B become a We
Will there be a presser introducing Greg?
Will someone ask him to comment on the McGwire story?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jan 11, 2010 2:34 PM CST reply actions
Is this a step for Maddux to become a GM?
by jerry morales rules on Jan 11, 2010 2:41 PM CST reply actions
No, it's simply a clever way to get Maddux and Lilly in the same shower long enough to collect both of their DNA and create a God-like hybrid.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jan 11, 2010 2:43 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
Treg
Mally steps to the plate…
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jan 11, 2010 2:49 PM CST up reply actions
Throwing with either arm
That would be awesome. I think only Pat Venditte in the minors can do that right now.
by false cognate on Jan 11, 2010 3:31 PM CST up reply actions
...
Well, I never heard it before, but it sounds uncommon nonsense.
- The Mock Turtle, Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll -
@Twitter as @brommmietze
you dont have a photo of the prototype?
Just because you talk a lot doesn't mean you're saying anything. dtpollitt 1-7-10
There is a long history of HoF players trying
to manage or take office positions in MLB. The vast majority of the time they fail. Simply put, a great player has only a small chance of being a great manager.
Now, that being said, I’m very confident Maddux is one of the exceptions to rule. I can’t wait until Spring Training starts!
yeah will be great to see him around
the team more often.
Join the BCB Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/bleedcubbieblue
Probably not.
He’s not a coach, and there are only a limited # of coaches allowed in uniform.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
hmm well, maybe we'll see him sometime soon back in the dugout
he’ll probably at least be at most practices and on the field before games
Wrigley Bound in the Summer of 2010
Plus, he can't wear a uniform because his number is retired.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jan 11, 2010 2:46 PM CST up reply actions
hah well Sandberg will wear 23 for sure if he returns as manager
Wrigley Bound in the Summer of 2010
My, my, this is a suprise!
But it is a nice suprise.
Well, I never heard it before, but it sounds uncommon nonsense.
- The Mock Turtle, Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll -
@Twitter as @brommmietze
by eths on Jan 11, 2010 2:47 PM CST via mobile reply actions
I was hoping he could join the Braves
…but I’m biased, being an ATL fan 1st and a Cubbies fan 2nd. Still, I’ll have reason to wear my CHI Maddux away jersey when I get to see Wrigley again!
I love this move so much
It’s a perfect fit, and it’s Greg Maddux. What’s not to love?!?!?
Wrigley Bound in the Summer of 2010
Oh. My. God.
What a coup! Not sure why, but I never thought it was realistic that he would come back and work for the Cubs after retiring. This makes me SO happy!
"Dad gum right this games gonna be played under protest. . . I guarantee this is gonna be one protest that's upheld." --Hawk Harrelson, 6/24/07
I love this!!!
Makes my boring day a winner.
OK I don't know shit about basketball.
by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST
I have no idea
what Maddux will be able to bring to the organization in terms of talent evaluation, but I have no doubts he’ll be excellent in player development and help the pitchers quite a bit.
And in the end…. having Greg Maddux as a Cub… is ALWAYS a good thing
Wonderful day for Cubs fans
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Jan 11, 2010 3:12 PM CST reply actions
Wow.
Great news! Maybe Maddux will be at the convention? I doubt it, but that’d be nice!
The real question will be, how does Blou spin this as a negative against Hendry, Crane, etc…?
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
I don't care. I wish we would stop wondering what he thinks about anything..
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jan 11, 2010 3:38 PM CST up reply actions 14 recs
'tis off season...
Well, I never heard it before, but it sounds uncommon nonsense.
- The Mock Turtle, Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll -
@Twitter as @brommmietze
Honestly, I don't either.
No longer is Blou an individual to me, rather a certain group of fans.
But I know what you’re saying, so rec’d from me too.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Jan 11, 2010 4:29 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
It's funny you say that b/c that is how I think of him
by Madison Cub Fan on Jan 11, 2010 6:45 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah. Same here.
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
That would his inconsistancies from comment to comment.
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
would explain*
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
rec'd for the Bakers Dozen
Just because you talk a lot doesn't mean you're saying anything. dtpollitt 1-7-10
Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing the next pitching coach of the Chicago Cubs....
I think this almost guarantees that Maddux will be the pitching coach when Sandberg takes over as manager. This position gives him the opportunity to work with the minor leaguers and add real coaching experience without forcing him to spend the full season at some minor league outpost.
I think I speak for everyone here when I say, "Wait, what the hell are you talking about?"
As noted above...
… maybe bench coach would be better. Maddux has a great baseball mind — he could be a real help to any manager.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I wonder what that says about Alan Trammell's future with the Cubs
It seems like Sandberg is being groomed to be next in line after Lou retires and it only seems a matter of time until Maddux is in the dugout. Maddux’s position will probably determine whether the Cubs retain Rothschild/Trammell/neither.
My guess about Trammell is...
… he’ll be encouraged to apply for any open manager’s jobs after 2010.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Honestly...
…who cares?
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
This will be his 4th year as bench coach and it looked like he was going to replace Lou before Sandberg got promoted (twice)
I thought it was at least worth discussing.
I didn't mean...
…to be negative towards your comment, but I don’t think Trammel ever had or does have a snow balls chance of succeeding Lou.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
No worries
I thought I read earlier in the year (when Sandberg got promoted to AAA) that many people considered Trammell next in line for the job. Probably a case of taking the comments of few to represent many.
Either way, I agree that the move today will have nothing but positive effects on the future of the Chicago Cubs, no matter what role Maddux settles into.
Don't rush things folks
I really can’t see Maddux being a full time anything for a few years. No way he is missing his son’s little league games.
It would be kind of cool if he can sit on the bench for a few games during the summer. He loves "calling " the games.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
How awesome would that be
to play little league with Maddux in the crowd calling the games. WOW
"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella
Um I meant sitting on the bench at the CUB games.
Maddux is just a dad watching his son’s games.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 4:43 PM CST up reply actions
Hooray! Let's retire his number, um, again!
Seriously, I’m giddy. Now if we could just convince him to move from the GMs office to the bullpen…
on Twitter @CubsStats23
Mad Dog!
Welcome back!
Your dreams were your ticket out
Welcome back!
To that same old place that you laughed about
Well the names have all changed since you hung around
But those dreams have remained and they’ve turned around (boy howdy!!)
Who’d have thought they’d lead ya
(who’d have thought they’d lead ya)
Back here where we need ya
(back here where we need ya)
Yeah, we tease him a lot ’cause we got him on the spot
Welcome back
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back…
Anyone seen Mr. Kotter? …
Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...
Your helmet is so....
big.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jan 11, 2010 4:37 PM CST up reply actions
Oh, Horshack!
Mr. Kotter: “Gambling in school? Do you realize the odds are almost 5 to 1 against that happening?”
Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...
Juan Epstein Excuse Note:
“Please excuse Juan for being a sheephead.” Signed: “Epstein’s mother’s veterinarian”.
Now only 12,859 on the "Cubs Season Tickets Waiting List"...
TWSS. Wait.......possibly......?
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
Maddux
As a special assistant to the GM makes me wonder.
If Piniella retires after this year as manager, what about Mike Maddux as the pitching coach if Sandberg is hired as Manager? I don’t have the disdain some of you have for Rothschild, but I think Mike Maddux does a great job as a pitching coach.
As for HOF status, this is not a window dressing hire. Maddux will be utilized by the Cubs and will be valuable asset. He has too much integrity to take a position that wasn’t going to be utilized. It sure would be nice to see Maddux go into the HOF with the same C on his hat that Andre Dawson will.
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. -- George Santayana (1863-1952)
When the Cubs failed to sign Maddux
after 1992, didn’t he say something like he was sad that he wouldn’t be going to the ballpark everyday? Upon hearing today’s absolutely energizing, fantastic news, at first I thought he was planning on making his way through the ranks of front office management, but remembering (?) that comment, I think he wants to be on the field/in the dugout. But who knows? Did I remember that comment correctly?
fesullivan
Per above comments
Maddux has indicated he would like to be a bench coach. He could always change his mind but he has said in so many words that he does not want to be limited to just being involved with pitching or pitchers though he once had a very funny line that he only hung out with pitchers because they could discuss " pitching and golf" , whereas position players wanted to talk about hitting and “other stuff”. I think he would be happy to talk to position players about hitting just not the “other stuff”.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 4:48 PM CST up reply actions
And during a year when everyone's hopes for a contender
are pretty dim, this could turn out to be one of the most upbeat Cubs Conventions ever!
fesullivan
If Sandberg manages...
… we will see both Maddux and Dawson with the Cubs. It’s only right they be a part of this when we win it all!
“It’s coming together boys!”
I still bet Dawson may come back as a coach or something.
by TheHawkRules on Jan 11, 2010 5:01 PM CST up reply actions
I'd put him in charge of team discipline.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jan 11, 2010 5:02 PM CST up reply actions
There ya go! I like it!
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
I predict
I predict a front office job for Dawson to be announced after the 2010 season.
His youngest graduates high school this year that’s what’s keeping him in Miami.
2/18/2010 B&B become a We
by puckishcubsfan on Jan 11, 2010 7:47 PM CST up reply actions
"The band! We're putting the band back together!"
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
"We're on a mission from God."
See my post earlier in the thread for a theoretical “all-’89-Cubs” coaching staff.
Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.
Surprising, but awesome news!
I’m quite shocked by this news, since I had thought that Maddux preferred living on the West Coast to be closer to his family. How often would his new duties pull him away from that?
But it is nice to have him back! He’s one of the most intelligent baseball minds there is.
Good news
Maddux is a winner . Glad he will be giving advice to Jim Hendry . Cubs need a talent evaluater in the worst way
Great news
But why o’ why would Greg Maddux want to enter the fray? I guess I don’t get that. He seems to be a man who cherishes his privacy, friends and Las Vegas lifestyle. Plus he has more money than God.
But give Tom Ricketts credit for convincing Maddux to take a flyer. Maybe he likes it and wants more. That would be nice.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
Actually Maddux is a fairly public person in Vegas
He just enjoys going out with the family and not being bothered.
As I told Al I am sure Ricketts helped but this was a move by your old friend Jimbo , one which he has been plotting since 2004. Hendry has always been very open about wanting Maddux to work for the Cubs. I am amazed he pulled it off but mainly for geographic and weather reasons. I don’t have that sig for nothing. Hendry worships Maddux and he worked very hard to get him here in 2004 and always wanted him to work with the Cubs when he retired.
This is what Hendry does best and while he often frustrating moves in rewarding players for what they have done and keeping on good terms can have a big payoff.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 6:33 PM CST up reply actions
Oh my God.
I literally JUST got what your username means. WWWOOOWWW…
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
Um it is double entendre
I actually stalk the four legged variety . I LOVE dogs. As for Mad Dogs . I love them too but I would not actually stalk one. I hear they bite. My sig seems pretty good for today though.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 6:59 PM CST up reply actions
Yes it does.
So your username is both about dogs and the Maddog?
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
Yep
If you ever walked down a street with me you would get it. I stop to pet every dog I can. As for Maddux never been closer than 6 feet and that was watching him warm up in Spring Training. I do “stalk” him by reading everything about him and watching him play but I respect his right to privacy off the field , outside of public events.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 7:54 PM CST up reply actions
I was working in his building one day
and I was riding the service elevator down from an upper floor. The car stopped on a lower floor, and in stepped Greg, his son, and their beautiful dog about to go for a walk.
That’s probably heaven for you right there.
"Only a mediocre person is always at his best." ~W. Somerset Maugham
A golden retriever I believe ?
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 8:45 PM CST up reply actions
I would love to meet Doggie's doggie.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 12, 2010 12:07 AM CST up reply actions
Maddux and Vegas
I have a good friend who frequents Vegas who knows Greg and his family through friends who live ln the same golf course complex as him. The husband is his best friend (my friends’ best friend not Greg’s)
He is not a sports fan at all. But Greg and his family have been at BBQs at his friend’s house and he met him twice before someone told him “Oh he’s a baseball player.”
His friend says Greg, Kathy and the kids are just like any other normal family except for having the dad be a major league baseball player. The kids are about the same age as Chase and Amanda.
2/18/2010 B&B become a We
by puckishcubsfan on Jan 11, 2010 7:50 PM CST up reply actions
and yet you were so sure he'd end up working for the Braves
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I lacked faith in Hendry I guess.
I suspect that since he really does not know the front office guys in Atlanta that well now and Ned has his hand’s full with the Dodgers, Jim swooped in. Also I did not want to get my hopes up. However Hendry handled was masterful when he dealt with Maddux in 04 and I have no doubt they established a bond. I am very grateful Schuerholz and Kasten are no longer running the Braves.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 8:41 PM CST up reply actions
This is a John McDonough-ish move by Tom Ricketts
It is precisely the same strategy McDonough has embraced with the Blackhawks, only in this case Maddux has a nominal actual job as opposed to being an ambassador.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
I like the comparison
These kind of moves can only help!
by Dayton Cubbie on Jan 11, 2010 9:12 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed, but..........
……….McDonough HAD TO DO THESE THINGS with the Hawks, because the situation was dire and fans were lacking. At Wrigley, the season ticket waiting list is several hundred thousand deep and they’re drawing +3 million a year.
So why spend the money on a PR move? Makes no sense to me.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
It's not just a PR move.
Ask any of the pitchers who have been helped by Maddux over the course of their careers.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I suppose we all..........
………should wait to see how this unfolds. Right now it is simply a “feel good” story, but let’s see how the team uses Maddux to determine the true value of this move.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Maddux has made upwards of 120 Million dollars
and he doesn’t need or want more media exposure so this is not a "feel good’ or PR move on his part. Obviously his exact role is a work in progress but he is there to work not to make the Cubs look good in the media.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 12, 2010 8:49 AM CST up reply actions
This is becoming a Mark McGwire story.
I’m not saying he needs the money or the media exposure, but that’s EXACTLY what he and the Cubs are getting. Let’s not be aloof to the results – at present – simply because Maddux doesn’t need fame or fortune.
We’ll need to reconvene 4-5 years from now to see the results of Maddux’s role, but right now, as we chat, it is a feel good event for the Cubs.
"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra
Ok I Feel Good
that the Cubs just signed the smartest guy in baseball who has shown over a 20 plus career that he can see the game at strategic level beyond the best SABR guys ( check out the famous story about Maddux’s fury over a ball hanging in the air for seven seconds) while also being able to communicate his knowledge to his fellow players.
Actually I feel GREAT.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 12, 2010 9:21 AM CST up reply actions
Would love to read this
but google turned up nothing – got a link? Thanks!
by cubsonWGN4ever on Jan 12, 2010 10:17 AM CST up reply actions
Well I just assumed everyone knew it.
Alas it can no longer be googled and I am not good enough to do it justice. I think it is Leo Mazzone’s
favorite Maddux story. It USED to be available on line in Bob Nightengale’s terrific Maddux profile for USA Today Sports but alas it is no longer up. I will dig it out of the ruble in my apartment in the next week or two and transcribe it. It is classic Maddux and EXACTLY why you want this guy in the dugout or front office. In the meantime here is nice bit I found trying to get it. I love the jelly bean story but the one about Bernie Williams is another well known classic.
http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2009/07/17/greg-maddux-is-nothing-but-a-big-phony-i-tell-you/
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 12, 2010 1:01 PM CST up reply actions
I used to work with a guy who used a ton in every note .........................
He was bombastic, rude, loud, crude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and our boss loved him.
I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 13, 2010 8:20 PM CST up reply actions
Great move
whether Hendry or Ricketts is responsible. Great from a baseball standpoint, and great from a PR standpoint.
This off season just went from blah to good.
Not outstanding, but good.
Maddux would be very pissed
if people think this a PR move. Well Ok he probably does not care what people think but this is not a PR move. The guy made $120 million dollars and did exactly one major product endorsement. He does not need the money or the publicity , he wants to contribute to the game and lets be very grateful it is on our side.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 7:37 PM CST up reply actions
What product did Maddux endorse?
Maybe I’ll buy some…
Um How old are you 15 ?
Just kidding but this was Maddux’s only foray in national advertising. He made enough money and he didn’t need anymore. I guess this is ironic given today’s news.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ltD21rYWVw
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 8:44 PM CST up reply actions
Does this make it more likely he'll wear a Cubs cap in Coopers Town?
Perhaps it might, if the Cubs can keep him in the organization until he goes into the HOF. Let’s hope.
Dare I give the Cubs my heart again?
by digitalbenjamin on Jan 11, 2010 8:32 PM CST reply actions
Zero chance he wears a Cub hat
but maybe a Cub pin.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 8:44 PM CST up reply actions
LOve the move by the Cubs
now as for the assistant to the assistant the Cubs make a deal for Kerry Wood, and their assistant bench coach will be Derosa, and of course the new towel boy (wait for it……………………………………………………………………………………………….) Mark Prior.
He'll need a towel count though. 85 towels only every 5 days.
Anymore, and he may need surgery.
Some men learn through what they read. Some men learn through what they're told. Some men have to piss on the railroad tracks. And some men keep on pissin'.
Many levels this is great news
There is a reason why they called Maddux the Professor, he dissected his opponents and his own game to maximize what he had to a HOF 355 wins. He like Sandburg were not considered top talent stars but made themselves into players with an edge.
This also continues the development of building a Cub organization. It is why the Cubs would retire Dawson’s # if he goes in as a Cub… an organization. Yes getting Girardi back in the fold would be even grander.
Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."
I wouldn't get carried away with what Maddux's role will or will not be
The more I understand of this it sounds like he is going to dabble in a few things. Kind of like putting a toe in the water to see if you might want to go swimming later.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
A little reality check...
You can know all the baseball you want, but if you aren’t given much to work with, there’s only so much you can do. The minors are only now beginning to show signs of not being a bottomless pit of suck. This seems like a preemptive move to grab Maddux until he decides what he’d like to do and I’m all for it.
But some of these posts read like 10 year old girls who just found out that the Jonas brothers and a pink unicorn have moved in next door.
Talk about an upgrade according to Sullivan
“He basically will replace Ed Lynch”
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 10:27 PM CST reply actions
Too Rich
Since, basically, that’s what Greg Maddux did on the 1986 Cubs!
Lynch was in the rotation on the 1986 Cubs from the fourth of July until making his last start on Sept. 8, 1986. Maddux made his first major league start on Sept. 7. Lynch pitched out of the bullpen the rest of the way.
Can’t believe you didn’t make the connection, Jessica.
by Josh77 on Jan 11, 2010 10:41 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
My favorite Maddux/ Lynch story
involved the infamous brawl on the team bus in 86 between Lynch and Dunston, who had to be separated by teammates. Maddux just up from Iowa for this first time in the the bigs at 10 just sat by serenely and watched from the row behind. One of the thousands of bits of Maddux minutia I file away.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 11, 2010 10:55 PM CST up reply actions
Replacing Ed Lynch makes the job
seem like a pitiful honorary degree from a junior college.
They seemed, and with good reason, to hide Lynch from the fans. I would think they’d parade Maddux around every chance they get.
During Maddux's last stint with the Cubs...
he never volunteered any advise, but if any players approached him first, he was more than happy to help. This way, he wasn’t stepping on Rothschild’s toes. He took Sean Marshall under his wing during his rookie season.
I’m ecstatic to see Maddux back in the Cubs fold. He would have been a huge asset to any organization, but the Cubs were the team he wanted to be associated with. I remember watching him study the opposition taking batting practice before games. There were many pitchers with better raw talent than Maddux, but nobody was smarter.
Wouldnt it be awesome to see
Sandberg as the Manger and Maddux as the Pitching coach and while were at it Dawson as the Batting coach
A few posters have already pointed out Maddux's desire to be a bench coach instead of a pitching coach
Seeing those 2 (or 3) together on the bench would definitely bring good nostalgic memories. Unfortunately those don’t necessarily translate to wins (look at Trammel in Detroit for an example) so hopefully Cubs brass does their do diligence before it would happen.
trammell was managing an extremely crappy tigers team
by jesus christos on Jan 12, 2010 6:54 PM CST up reply actions
To Trammell's credit...
… he took basically the same team he had in 2003 and increased their win total by 29 the next year.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Call me crazy, but
I just don’t think that any player who’s made over $100M in this sport is going to come back and simply be a bench coach.
A guy like Maddux, brilliant and competitive as he is, I think is aiming for more than that. I would guess at least a manager’s position, but I’m more inclined to see him as Hendry’s replacement.
Unless the 2010 Cubs fail miserably, I expect that Hendry will be around for 2011 and maybe 2012. At that point, he’ll cite health concerns and move off to the happy hunting ground making way for Maddux.
One thing I’m sure of is that Maddux is not doing this just to be a coach.
by jerry morales rules on Jan 12, 2010 11:43 AM CST reply actions
Actually...
… the money is probably why he’d be happier in the dugout, or at least one reason. Why would a guy who made that much money want the additional headaches of being a GM?
Maddux is a brilliant in-game baseball mind. He’d likely be happiest analyzing game situations, not negotiating contracts.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Because it seems like such a haircut for him
Maddux is a first ballot HoFer. He’s won more games in the majors since Warren Spahn.
He must love the game for him to have the success he had, but he can literally sit back and he’d make more money of the interest that his money makes than what he’d make as a coach. Now, he’d probalby make more money off of interest than he would as a manager or a GM too, but in both those cases he’d be in a position to claim accomplishment should his team win a world series or multiple world series.
I just don’t see him coming back and dealing with a long baseball season when he obviously doesn’t need the money and wouldn’t get anything more than a pat on the back for anything he accomplished. A coaching position is just whittling away his time until he ultimately retires. I think he’s out for more than that.
Now, don’t get me wrong … if that’s really what he wants to do and all he wants to do, I’d love to have him for as long as he’d like to be with the organization. I don’t know what he’s being paid, but I’m sure if you’d double it he’d still be worth the money.
by jerry morales rules on Jan 12, 2010 1:40 PM CST up reply actions
Exactly right...
… and your reasoning is precisely why Maddux will wind up coaching or managing. He doesn’t need the money, and loves to be in the dugout analyzing game situations.
Again, why would he want the headaches of contract negotiations when he can do what he loves in the dugout?
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Because he won't really be accomplishing much as a pitching or bench coach.
I’m sure that he does love baseball, but to put up with 162 games in 180 days, plus spring training, plus perhaps the playoffs and all the pre and post season things that a coach must do just seems like a lot for a guy who really doens’t “need” to put up with any of it. As a coach, I am sure he will be put in situations where he will be compromised. He’s not the guy in charge and he’s not, ultimately, the one who will make decisions.
Are there any coaches in any sport, much less baseball, that are worth over $100M? There is a lot of work that goes into it. It’s not just the on-field and in-dugout stuff. I’m sure that Maddux realizes that. With all of the opportunities inside and outside of baseball that I’m sure Maddux is receiving, it just seems hard for me to believe that he would put himself in that situation with the express intent to stay there.
Perhaps being a manager is the goal, but, as we know, that would put him in direct competition with Sandberg and I don’t think that anyone would intentionally put themselves in that kind of a PR and political situation.
Do we know that Maddux wouldn’t want the pressures of the GM’s office? Maybe he doens’t see that being as much of a headache as we are ascribing it to be?
by jerry morales rules on Jan 12, 2010 3:24 PM CST up reply actions
Maddux might want to be a GM but I doubt it.
I am not sure any player ever loved being on the field, bench and locker room more. Maddux said on more than one occasion that he had as much fun if not more on days he was not pitching. He loved nothing more than talking with other pitchers ( and the occasional stray position player) about the game plan. I can’t see him happy in an office but it could happen. However I would not jump to conclusions that he is being groomed or thought of as a GM at this point. He won’t be full time for a couple of years so let’s wait and see what develops.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
I think Maddux would be an outstanding addition in any capacity
and the Cubs will be better off for it. I’m looking forward to seeing how this plays out.
by jerry morales rules on Jan 12, 2010 1:49 PM CST up reply actions
This is just outstanding news.
I think this will prove to be the best move of this offseason. Hopefully this is the first of many great changes engineered by Ricketts & Co.
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004
great
to have maddux back in the family.dont care what this guy did in atlanta he will always be a cub to me. this is a nice first step bringing in good baseball people. its what the red sox did and they go to the postseason every year. really good move.
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