Greg Maddux may be just what the L.A. Dodgers needed.
I know what you are all thinking: He’s had an unimpressive year. So have the San Diego Padres.
But consider this: Maddux has made 26 starts this season going 6-9, but in 15 of those starts, he has received three or less runs of support. And in three of those games, the Padres were shut out.
Maddux’s pitching personality is much like the perceived personality of California: soft and laid back.
Maddux is a crafty righty if there ever was one.
Alas, Maddux’s value may not be determined by wins and losses. Remember, the Dodgers' rotation is quite young. Maddux is a library of knowledge for Hiroki Kuroda, Chad Billingsly, and 22-year old Clayton Kershaw.
Maddux has never won 20 games in a season, but he’ll be a Hall of Famer someday. But for now, he’s a pitcher, and a good one at that. Maddux may not pay off this year, but the knowledge he imparts will.
Be patient, Dodger fans.
6 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
josh millar 10 months ago
so how bout it bleacher creatures?
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Tomi Salvucci 10 months ago
I agree. He is dependable and he gives 5 or more innings when he is out there. If LA can rest the bullpen a little they could maybe make a run, and Maddux could help them do that.
Who can complain about a big game tested veteran who throws nothing but strikes.
Also, if the youngsters on the team don't pull out their notepads and take his brilliance in, then shame on them. They are doing themselves a great disservice.
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josh millar 10 months ago
thank yoi for your readership
he throws all 4 pitches too
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Abner Lope 10 months ago
Thanks for the article AND the pic of Maddux in the ATLANTA jersey! Thanks for addressing the negative comments I have read about his record in San Diego. I know that there were more than a few times when Greg left the mound with a lead only to have the Padres' bullpen cough it up. Greg has still got the goods; his record is indicative of weak offensive support (and weak defensive support as well). He gave up a run in his last start and lost to Jamie Moyer. Most of the time, one run is not enough to beat him.
Greg still throws strikes and gives up few walks; he fields his position well; he is not a distraction in the clubhouse; and he coaches free of charge! And you are right; Kuroda, Billingsley and Kershaw will get better as they spend more time picking at Greg's brain. Penny and Lowe have already confessed to Maddux helping them out to pick apart batters.
I will be anxious to see how Maddux responds to Torre and his management style. I think Joe will find Mad Dog so maintenance-free that he will actually have time to keep Manny happy when his wave hits the shore.
Again, hats off to the Dodgers' management for pulling the trigger on two trades for two Hall of Fame players: Manny and Maddux. The Dodgers may not make it to the World Series, but it won't be because the management didn't try.
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josh millar 10 months ago
thank you for the kind words keep reading
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J.C. Ayvazi 10 months ago
Nice article Josh. It would appear you and I are of a like mind as to how Maddux can help off the mound as well.
Kindly check out my article on the subject and let me know what you think of Maddux vs Honeycutt
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/49512-greg-maddux-to-la-for-rest-of-08-then-in-09
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