Greg Maddux to the Braves? It’s a rumor that never quite dies. And it sure isn’t impossible, if the price is right. But clubs that have spoken with the Braves say they’re more focused on trying to find a younger starting pitcher they can hang onto for just the last few months of this season. So think more along the lines of the non-free agents who could pop onto the market (though not necessarily these names in particular) — Joe Blanton, Rich Harden, Bronson Arroyo, Daniel Cabrera, Jeremy Bonderman, etc.
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Two weeks ago, pitching is not really a great deal of an issue for braves. With consistency of Tim Hudson, Jair Jurrjens and Tom Glavine provide good outings so far this year and Jorge Compillo and Jo Jo Reyes gives surprising performance. Maddux or not is probably not so important. Now I think Braves should bring Maddux back for whatever possible way.
There are three reasons. First, Braves bullpen is obviously overworked. Their stuff is there, the control is terrible showing the tired arms. Except Tim Hudson, no one in the rotation is proven to provide enough innings to save the bullpen. Maddux is so efficient that even he is just an 80 pitches pitcher now; he still can get through 7 innings. So it will save the bullpen.
Secondly, Maddux’s knowledge of baseball can help young pitchers like JJ or Reyes to develop their pitching that no other manager can do. I always believe it is the hidden reason that braves’ pitching staff can be so good for so long.
Thirdly, no offense to Tim Hudson, who is already a very accomplished pitcher in the majors, I think he can learn and benefit greatly from Maddux knowledge and experience because their stuff is so similar. Tim almost does not even need to make adjustment to apply Maddux’s pitching philosophy. Sometimes I feel Tim rely on his stuff a bit too much rather than attacking hitter’s weakness. That makes him a bit predictable on someday. Anyone ever think he can predict Maddux? If Greg can make John Burkket reviving his career at 38, he should make Tim Hudson a god.
Bring Maddux back at all cost and sign him until he retires, it will be the best decision for Braves to make ever. Even better, make him your pitching coach; he will be the greatest of all time (only idiots does not listen to him and idiots should not play for Atlanta).