Greg Maddux Could Become Available Via Trade
Tim Sullivan of The San Diego Union-Tribune points out that future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux could very well become available for trade if the Padres struggles continue.
Maddux earned his 350th career win last night and, at age 42, could be in his final season before retirement. With San Diego struggling mightily, this is no way to end such a storied career. Ace Jake Peavy agrees, saying, “He can help somebody. It sucks that this is probably the last year of his career and he’s got to sit here and be a part of this and have (this be) the last thing he remembers in baseball — if this thing doesn’t turn.”
“If this thing doesn’t turn” is the key, of course. The Padres currently sit at 13-24 and 10 games behind the first place Diamondbacks. They certainly have the pitching to compete (although they made some bullpen help), but the offense has been atrocious and would have to be added to for them to right this ship. So it will be an interesting decision for the Padres management to make: Try to beef up the offense via trade in an effort to make a run this seasonbefore it’s too late; or consider the prospect of waving the white flag and moving pieces such as Greg Maddux in an effort to build towards next year.
One thing is for certain, though. Plenty of contenders would welcome the addition of Greg Maddux to the back end of their rotations. The Professor could represent a good fleece opportunity for San Diego.
Filed under: San Diego Padres
I had exactly the same thought about a week ago. The Padres have to let Maddux pitch elsewhere. They are doomed with the way the Diamondbacks are playing.
The Padres are already nine games back just six weeks into the season and are mired in last place.
The interesting thing is, Greg Maddux has a no trade clause in his contract, which gives him some control over where he ends up. Mad Dog also has a ten million dollar contract in 2008.
The Braves and Maddux would seem like the marriage made in Heaven. Reuniting Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz for one last run at the post-season.
Alas, it’s probably a pipe dream on my part. The Braves won’t spend the money or prospects on another 40 year old pitcher unless they are absolutely sure it would work.