Cubs hire Greg Maddux as special assistant to the GM

[Tim M]

http://espn.go.com/chicago/story?id=4816491&campaign=rss&source=CHICAGOHeadlines&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[Sammy Sofa]

OK, this move I like. Does it actually mean anything? I love the idea of Maddux being more involved in the team's management/coaching once Lou and Hendry are gone. Edited January 11, 2010 by Sammy Sofa

[Little Slide Rooter]

Id like to see him work closely with Randy Wells, who like Maddux is a finesse guy. Im noit saying that Wells is anything close to the next Maddux, but since they have similar styles, in that neither was ever the type that woukd blow the hitter away with gas, and both rely on hitting their spots, and Wells, not to mention any other pitcher could learn alot from Mad Dog.

[SouthSideRyan]

Awesome.

[UMFan83]

Good move. I love the fact that he will be in our organization in the event that changes are made to the coaching staff where he can fill in.

[Tim M]

I think Maddux would make a great GM one day. Teammates always raved at how perceptive he was about the game. My guess is with a little experience he could become a tremendous talent evaluator. Nice job here by the Cubs.

[Schwarber Fan]

This thread title should definitely be edited to be more specific.

[Banedon]

It's so wrong that this should be the most exciting thing the Cubs have done this offseason.

[wvcbxl]

This is a great signing. \:D/

[Wilson A2000]

I guess Jim forgot about the rule that says never hire someone who could take your job

[E.J.]

Wow. I really like this move. The Cubs did something I like? :shock:

[A-Cal]

wowsers!!!

 

Maddux, the man, the myth, the legend!!!

[Tyrant]

I think he gets 200 PTO days a year so he can play golf.

[jersey cubs fan]

Curious place for a recently retired player to begin his career. Special assistants to the GM seem like pointless positions given to legends, or ways to hide fired GMs. I like the idea of Maddux being involved, but I always doubt the coaching or scouting abilities of a great player, and this seems like it could easily just be a marketing gimmick for new owners to reach out to somebody the crowd loved.

[CubbieBum]

Curious place for a recently retired player to begin his career. Special assistants to the GM seem like pointless positions given to legends, or ways to hide fired GMs. I like the idea of Maddux being involved, but I always doubt the coaching or scouting abilities of a great player, and this seems like it could easily just be a marketing gimmick for new owners to reach out to somebody the crowd loved.

 

I was going to say that but you beat me to it. Maddux is definitely the type of great player who you could see becoming a great GM or manager but great players don't seem to do well in those roles. I just don't think they can relate to a majority of players because it was always so easy for them. Jordan would be a great example. Greatest player ever IMO but can't evaluate talent worth a lick.

[Wilson A2000]

Curious place for a recently retired player to begin his career. Special assistants to the GM seem like pointless positions given to legends, or ways to hide fired GMs. I like the idea of Maddux being involved, but I always doubt the coaching or scouting abilities of a great player, and this seems like it could easily just be a marketing gimmick for new owners to reach out to somebody the crowd loved.

 

I was going to say that but you beat me to it. Maddux is definitely the type of great player who you could see becoming a great GM or manager but great players don't seem to do well in those roles. I just don't think they can relate to a majority of players because it was always so easy for them. Jordan would be a great example. Greatest player ever IMO but can't evaluate talent worth a lick.

 

Jerry West is the only great player that could really evaluate talent that I can think of.

[17 Seconds]

Pretty cool that he picked the Cubs

[Cubswin11]

Didn't he hold some sort of coaching/FO position with the Padres last year?

[BCVM22]

Didn't he hold some sort of coaching/FO position with the Padres last year?

 

Spring training coach.

[A New Era]

Your next former cubbie coaching staff?

 

Ryne Sandberg - Manager

Greg Maddux - GM

 

LOL.

[ConstableRabbit]

It's exciting to see him back within the organization, but I don't see what the big deal is. There's anecdotal evidence that he "really knows the game," but can he evaluate talent?

 

I'm hoping for the best, but I can't help but think of the peter principle.

[17 Seconds]

It's exciting to see him back within the organization, but I don't see what the big deal is. There's anecdotal evidence that he "really knows the game," but can he evaluate talent?

 

i think people are more excited about it just because he's back with the cubs organization.

[davell]

So Maddux=George Costanza?

 

 

Anyway, I really like this move and agree that this is my favorite addition of the offseason. And yes, it's pretty sad that a special assistant to the GM is the most exciting thing we've done all offseason. Even more sad is that our 2nd best move is adding a hitting coach......

[dew1679666265]

OK, this move I like. Does it actually mean anything? I love the idea of Maddux being more involved in the team's management/coaching once Lou and Hendry are gone.

 

Isn't Randy Bush in the same position? Or is he just the assistant GM? Because if he has the same role, Bush has been mentioned for possible GM jobs.

[davell]

Would we rather have Maddux as our pitching coach eventually or our GM?

 

 

I'd say pitching coach personally.