Maddux is not thinking about hanging them up.

[Blizzau]

Some of you may have misinterpreted Greg's quotes in this article. I read his comments about having to get in shape for another year and putting on a shirt next season if offered one as humorous, with humble overtones.

 

Ballplayers are allowed to have senses of humor, aren't they?

 

“I just told my wife (Kathy) yesterday that I need to have a good year so someone will give me a job and I can play again next year.

 

“If someone will give me a shirt to wear, I’ll be there,’’ Maddux said. “Why not?’’

 

I'm not sure, but I think you've misinterpreted the quotes. It sounds to me like he's saying 'I better get in shape so I can get another contract.'

 

The second quote never insinuates that he's too fat to fit the jersey.

 

I understand the fact that he hasn't come right out and said that he's only getting in shape to get paid again, however, why is he waiting until now to do it? He's spent two years dragging ass for the Cubs, begging out of games, and now that his contract is up he wants to get back into shape??? Fine. I hope he's in great shape and helps us go to the playoffs. I hope he wins 15-20 games and recaptures past glory. But let me be the first to say no matter how well he does in 2006, he won't deserve a contract worth more than $5 Million dollars for more than a year. He'll just regress back to fat-out of shape Greg so you'd have to pay him for the type of numbers he put up in 2005.

 

Too fat to fit the jersey?! Again, I'm afraid you misinterpreted what you read. I didn't say that at all in my previous post.

 

Maddux simply stating to the press tongue-in-cheek that he needs to get in shape for the coming season to earn a contract for the following year is just that. While it is true that older athletes have to condition harder to prepare for the season, it seems like Maddux was also making light of that.

 

His comment about the jersey simply indicates that he loves the game and plans to play in 2007, and possibly beyond.

 

That Maddux didn't give a canned line of "Well, I love Chicago, Wrigley Field is heaven, and I really hope the Cubs ask me back..." shouldn't cause overreaction among fans who may or may not have issues with Mr. Maddux.

[Knyption]

Blame that on boras and hendry

[frostwyrm]

Maddux is one of those athletes who will have to have the ball pried out of his hands and a security guard kick him out of the locker room before he quits.

 

I doubt it. I think he'll know when to quit.

 

I don't think he'll willingly quit unless he starts to suck very very badly. Moderate suckage won't faze him.