Tough Luck Maddux

[Irrelevant Dude]

I don't know how closely everyone has been following Greg Maddux this year, but I try to catch his starts on MLB.tv whenever possible. We all know he plays in a pitcher's park, but even with that aside he has looked outstanding the entire season except for one poor start when he took one for the team after the 22 inning game. With tonight's start, he lowered his ERA to 3.33 and left the game with a lead, but San Diego's bullpen gave it up again. I think this is 4 out of the last 5 starts that he has left the game with the lead and not got a win. I hate to see this, as I want to watch him continue to move up the all-time wins list. Does anyone know why he is coming out of games with such low pitch counts (70 tonight)? Is he being pulled for strategic reasons or is he telling Bud Black that he doesn't have anything left? It's obvious that he still has something left in the tank after all these years, but I'd love to see him be able to finish some of these games off.

[BigbadB]

Usually, Maddux takes himself out of games. Last night, they went with a pinch hitter which ended up helping the Padres score a run to take the lead. Whether or not they asked Maddux if he had anything left, I have no idea.