Maddux's 2006 option

[Jazz]

It is only a few more starts from vesting, and barring injury, it will undoubtebly do so, not only because of the fact that we have a slight chance and breaking into the wildcard picture, and his past few starts being very good. How do you feel about this 2006 option now? Do we trade him in the offseason, or keep him, and sign another starter to improve depth?

[Mark_R]

He needs to be really awesome next year for me to even want it. He's pitching better lately, but I'm not confident in 9 million dollar numbers next season.

 

Still don't want it to vest, but I'm resigned to it vesting.

[Beer Kaese]

It's the nature of the system that you over pay for some (Maddux) and get others at a bargin (Zambrano). A GM finds the right mix for the market.

 

If I was Greg I'd come back and take the money. As a Cubs fan I'd like him to retire and wave the money.

 

Personally, I think Greg only comes back for a ring. Anything less and he walks.

 

Bank on Maddux in the rotation next year.

[Wild_Cubs04]

IMO, Mad-Dog will make the appropriate decision. He has stated he doesn't care about the money really, as I am sure he's sitting on a nice chunk of change as it is :wink:

 

I don't see him as being the type of player that comes back to just get his money, if he can't be a force close to what he has in his career, I think he will repsectfully bow out.

 

Just my 2 cents.

[Backtobanks]

IMO, Mad-Dog will make the appropriate decision. He has stated he doesn't care about the money really, as I am sure he's sitting on a nice chunk of change as it is :wink:

 

I don't see him as being the type of player that comes back to just get his money, if he can't be a force close to what he has in his career, I think he will repsectfully bow out.

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

Also, I would expect the Cubs to sign him to some sort of personal appearance contract (show up at the Cub Convention, sing the 7th inning stretch, come to 8-10 Cub games, etc.) .

[BleedCubbieBlue81]

If he can somehow pull out another 14-15 win season this year, quite possible, but he hasn't gotten the run support in many of his games, then I think he could still be a valuable part of this rotation. Yeah, we'd be overpaying for him, but I'd rather overpay for him, then have guys like Jerome Williams out there. An over-the-hill Maddux > Jerome Williams any day of the week.

 

Greg said if he feels he can still perform at a level that will keep him at a decent spot in the rotation, he'll come back. I think he can still be a very good 4th or 5th starter, and I for one would like to see him back.

 

Edit: Just some stats about his last few starts. He's definitely a better second half pitcher.

 

Greg's last 8 games:

8/16 vs. HOU - 7.0 IP, 1 ER Win

8/11 vs. STL - 9.0 IP, 4 ER Win

8/06 vs. NYM - 7.0 IP, 2 ER Loss

7/31 vs. ARI - 4.0 IP, 6 ER Loss

7/26 vs. SF - 8.0 IP, 2 ER No Decision

7/21 vs. CIN - 5.0 IP, 3 ER No Decision

7/16 vs. PIT - 8.0 IP, 2 ER Loss

7/10 vs. FLA - 8.0 IP, 0 ER Win

 

Over those 8 games, he's had three games where he's given up only 2 runs, and got either a loss, or a no decision. There was also one game where he only gave up 3 runs and got a no decision. Had he gotten some help in those games, he'd have quite a few more wins.

[neely crenshaw]

maddux has thrown the ball much better than his record. he has been our second best pitcher since july.save for a bad start every so often he has been excellent. he has saved our tail over and over the last 2 years. bullpen worn out...who goes out and drops a complete z? prior? no it's maddux. need a win against the nearly unbeatable pettite...maddux throws his best game of the year. he will get his 15 wins again.with all the young studs we have...who leads us in victories..maddux. who lead us last year? maddux. who leads us in innings pitched? maddux.

take a look at the stats since july. maddux had a high of 5.02era, he was 7-4. he has since only been 3-5 but should have won most of those starts. his era has dropped to 4.40. during that stretch of 3-5 he has 3.46 era. if yiu drop his one start that he gave up 6 earned in 8 innings he has dealt a 2.86 era.

prior-who no wants to trade or worries about his money- has gone from 2.68 to 3.70 era. he has gone 5-3 in that stretch. his era is 4.90. take away his shut out it's 5.86!

z has been stellar, except for his back problems. he has a 1.96 eraa during that stretch.

so while the cubs have faltered it has been maddux and z who have been keeping them afloat at all.

 

everbody was all over clement because he was 10-1.

take a look

clement 11-3 4.58 era and rising

maddux 10-9 4.40 era and falling

Edited August 17, 2005 by neely crenshaw

[Chocolate Milk]

Greg's last 8 games:

8/16 vs. HOU - 7.0 IP, 1 ER Win

8/11 vs. STL - 9.0 IP, 4 ER Win

8/06 vs. NYM - 7.0 IP, 2 ER Loss

7/31 vs. ARI - 4.0 IP, 6 ER Loss

7/26 vs. SF - 8.0 IP, 2 ER No Decision

7/21 vs. CIN - 5.0 IP, 3 ER No Decision

7/16 vs. PIT - 8.0 IP, 2 ER Loss

7/10 vs. FLA - 8.0 IP, 0 ER Win

 

:shock:

 

That's pretty impressive. I still think that if we are overpaying Maddux next year, it is the least of our many problems.

[BleedCubbieBlue81]

Greg's last 8 games:

8/16 vs. HOU - 7.0 IP, 1 ER Win

8/11 vs. STL - 9.0 IP, 4 ER Win

8/06 vs. NYM - 7.0 IP, 2 ER Loss

7/31 vs. ARI - 4.0 IP, 6 ER Loss

7/26 vs. SF - 8.0 IP, 2 ER No Decision

7/21 vs. CIN - 5.0 IP, 3 ER No Decision

7/16 vs. PIT - 8.0 IP, 2 ER Loss

7/10 vs. FLA - 8.0 IP, 0 ER Win

 

:shock:

 

That's pretty impressive. I still think that if we are overpaying Maddux next year, it is the least of our many problems.

 

Yeah, outside of that Arizona game, he's been pretty solid. But you're right, we have other problems that should be addressed first.

[KatJ]

It is only a few more starts from vesting, and barring injury, it will undoubtebly do so, not only because of the fact that we have a slight chance and breaking into the wildcard picture, and his past few starts being very good. How do you feel about this 2006 option now? Do we trade him in the offseason, or keep him, and sign another starter to improve depth?

 

If I had my druthers, I'd keep him AND sign another starter or TWO, because I don't trust Wood's shoulder or whatever it may be next year. (I'm sure I'm not alone there.) Also, now that I finally understand the evil demon that Larry Himes was, I'd be really ticked to see the org screw Maddux again.

 

And it's not like Maddux is washed up. Yes, he does drive me nuts when he gives up multiple HRs in a game, but as I have said before, he still has the uncanny ability to bring the big game just when it's most needed. And his first half was better this year, I THINK - he stepped it up with Wood and Prior out. And the second half is still pretty darn good.

 

Heck, at worst we have a steady innings-eater at the 3rd-5th spot in the rotation. So it's $9 mil - but we have other better players at less than that - I figure it evens out. Plus, if we can pay Sammy $16 mil not to be a Cub and Alou whatever we paid him in severance, $9 mil for a consistently healthy and dependable SP (crossed fingers) is a bargain. What's the commotion?

[Wild_Cubs04]

It is only a few more starts from vesting, and barring injury, it will undoubtebly do so, not only because of the fact that we have a slight chance and breaking into the wildcard picture, and his past few starts being very good. How do you feel about this 2006 option now? Do we trade him in the offseason, or keep him, and sign another starter to improve depth?

 

If I had my druthers, I'd keep him AND sign another starter or TWO, because I don't trust Wood's shoulder or whatever it may be next year. (I'm sure I'm not alone there.) Also, now that I finally understand the evil demon that Larry Himes was, I'd be really ticked to see the org screw Maddux again.

 

And it's not like Maddux is washed up. Yes, he does drive me nuts when he gives up multiple HRs in a game, but as I have said before, he still has the uncanny ability to bring the big game just when it's most needed. And his first half was better this year, I THINK - he stepped it up with Wood and Prior out. And the second half is still pretty darn good.

 

Heck, at worst we have a steady innings-eater at the 3rd-5th spot in the rotation. So it's $9 mil - but we have other better players at less than that - I figure it evens out. Plus, if we can pay Sammy $16 mil not to be a Cub and Alou whatever we paid him in severance, $9 mil for a consistently healthy and dependable SP (crossed fingers) is a bargain. What's the commotion?

 

Good post KatJ, I agree 100%.

[KatJ]

I just posted something in Transactions that I realized should be in here:

 

And, by the way, Lee's so well liked by other players around the league, if Hendry signs him to an extension early in the offseason, it could have some impact on the decision making for a free agent guy like Brian Giles. By the way, I've said it before, I'll say it again - the last place I want to see Giles is with St. Louis or Houston. Both teams have the corner outfielder need and the cash flow to sign him. Hendry should take any reasonable steps he can to increase his probability of getting Giles.

 

Slightly off-topic, but a package that included Giles and (I can dream) Mark Loretta is about the only way I'd consider dealing Maddux. It could be a win-win situation: we get the offense (including baserunners with BRAINS) and good D, and Greg gets his numbers down and wins up a little in pitcher-friendly Petco, which is also in the same time zone as home. The SoCal house could become Maddux family HQ during the baseball season.

 

From Re-sign DLee?

[biittner77]

It is only a few more starts from vesting, and barring injury, it will undoubtebly do so, not only because of the fact that we have a slight chance and breaking into the wildcard picture, and his past few starts being very good. How do you feel about this 2006 option now? Do we trade him in the offseason, or keep him, and sign another starter to improve depth?

 

If I had my druthers, I'd keep him AND sign another starter or TWO, because I don't trust Wood's shoulder or whatever it may be next year. (I'm sure I'm not alone there.) Also, now that I finally understand the evil demon that Larry Himes was, I'd be really ticked to see the org screw Maddux again.

 

And it's not like Maddux is washed up. Yes, he does drive me nuts when he gives up multiple HRs in a game, but as I have said before, he still has the uncanny ability to bring the big game just when it's most needed. And his first half was better this year, I THINK - he stepped it up with Wood and Prior out. And the second half is still pretty darn good.

 

Heck, at worst we have a steady innings-eater at the 3rd-5th spot in the rotation. So it's $9 mil - but we have other better players at less than that - I figure it evens out. Plus, if we can pay Sammy $16 mil not to be a Cub and Alou whatever we paid him in severance, $9 mil for a consistently healthy and dependable SP (crossed fingers) is a bargain. What's the commotion?

 

I guess a lot of people here would rather spend that money on Burnett. The decision is out of the Cubs' hands so the point is moot. Maddux will probably be back and the Cubs likely won't suffer too much from having him around.

 

Do they retire his number when he makes the HOF?

[BleedCubbieBlue81]

It is only a few more starts from vesting, and barring injury, it will undoubtebly do so, not only because of the fact that we have a slight chance and breaking into the wildcard picture, and his past few starts being very good. How do you feel about this 2006 option now? Do we trade him in the offseason, or keep him, and sign another starter to improve depth?

 

If I had my druthers, I'd keep him AND sign another starter or TWO, because I don't trust Wood's shoulder or whatever it may be next year. (I'm sure I'm not alone there.) Also, now that I finally understand the evil demon that Larry Himes was, I'd be really ticked to see the org screw Maddux again.

 

And it's not like Maddux is washed up. Yes, he does drive me nuts when he gives up multiple HRs in a game, but as I have said before, he still has the uncanny ability to bring the big game just when it's most needed. And his first half was better this year, I THINK - he stepped it up with Wood and Prior out. And the second half is still pretty darn good.

 

Heck, at worst we have a steady innings-eater at the 3rd-5th spot in the rotation. So it's $9 mil - but we have other better players at less than that - I figure it evens out. Plus, if we can pay Sammy $16 mil not to be a Cub and Alou whatever we paid him in severance, $9 mil for a consistently healthy and dependable SP (crossed fingers) is a bargain. What's the commotion?

 

I guess a lot of people here would rather spend that money on Burnett. The decision is out of the Cubs' hands so the point is moot. Maddux will probably be back and the Cubs likely won't suffer too much from having him around.

 

Do they retire his number when he makes the HOF?

 

Hmm, I think they leave that to the Braves. He's going in as a Brave, so his number should be, and will be retired by the Braves.

 

Has anyone ever had their number retired by more than one team that they played for? I know Gretzky's 99 is retired throughout the NHL, but that's different.

Edited August 17, 2005 by BleedCubbieBlue81

[KatJ]

I guess a lot of people here would rather spend that money on Burnett. The decision is out of the Cubs' hands so the point is moot. Maddux will probably be back and the Cubs likely won't suffer too much from having him around.

 

Do they retire his number when he makes the HOF?

 

I doubt it. Maddux will be in the HOF as a Brave; I'd be surprised if I saw his flag on the Wrigley foul pole. He's not the franchise player that Ryne and even Billy Williams were. Maddux is more like Fergie Jenkins- he's respected and even beloved by many Cub fans, but that's not his identity, if that makes any sense.

[JC]

I guess a lot of people here would rather spend that money on Burnett. The decision is out of the Cubs' hands so the point is moot. Maddux will probably be back and the Cubs likely won't suffer too much from having him around.

 

Do they retire his number when he makes the HOF?

 

I doubt it. Maddux will be in the HOF as a Brave; I'd be surprised if I saw his flag on the Wrigley foul pole. He's not the franchise player that Ryne and even Billy Williams were. Maddux is more like Fergie Jenkins- he's respected and even beloved by many Cub fans, but that's not his identity, if that makes any sense.

 

Its a strange debate with many facets. I probably see Maddux more as a Brave, but I still see Clemens as a member of the Red Sox.

[Laura]

Hmm, I think they leave that to the Braves. He's going in as a Brave, so his number should be, and will be retired by the Braves.

 

Has anyone ever had their number retired by more than one team that they played for? I know Gretzky's 99 is retired throughout the NHL, but that's different.

 

Several players have had their numbers retired by more than one team (though not always the same number). There's a list here.

 

I think they'll retire #31 with nods to both Maddux and Jenkins.

[TripJ]

I think they'll retire #31 with nods to both Maddux and Jenkins.

 

That's exactly what I think they'll do. And at least in one case, it'll be long overdue.